Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
A section of one of the permanent spectator stands at the Greenfield site near Rock, Trelawny. - PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
THE GOVERNMENT will be spending US$80 million to host Cricket World Cup 2007, according to State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senator Delano Franklyn.
During the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate on Friday, Mr. Franklyn said the Caribbean governments would be expending US$400 million to host the event altogether.
He said the money being spent by the Jamaican Government would be for the construction of the multi-purpose facility at Greenfield in Trelawny, the refurbishing of Sabina Park, among other things. Senator Franklyn said preparation was on track for this major event.
"The construction of stadia across the Caribbean is in keeping with the necessary deadlines, but any dropping of the guard in this area could lead to the ringing of alarm bells," he said.
BIG CHALLENGE
Senator Franklyn noted that accommodation would be a big challenge but that the organisers of Cricket World Cup 2007, the Caribbean Hotel Association, and the local organising committees have resolved to solve the challenging accommodation across the nine host venues.
He said that, back home, many opportunities would be open to Jamaicans, especially in a bed-and-breakfast programme.
"I am informed that many cricket fans will not necessarily want to stay in hotels but would rather experience the culture and way of life of the host country," he said. "If properly handled, this can emerge into a new market for our tourism industry."
Senator Franklyn said that, as a result, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism and its agency, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), was about to embark on a programme of registering and licensing homes for a Home Stay Programme.
EXTRA ROOMS
"Individuals who have extra rooms are encouraged to make contact either with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, TPDCo or the local organising committee," he said. He added that the transport sector and food industry are other areas in which individuals can take opportunities as the services of caterers, owners and operators of passenger and baggage vehicles will be required to feed and transport the teams, officials, media personnel as well as sponsors.
He said 'sunset' legislation was currently being prepared to address movement of people and equipment for the duration of the tournament. Among the issues under consideration are systems that will facilitate fast-track entry into countries.
