Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
CONTINUING TO expand on the benefits to be gained from hosting the Cricket World Cup, Minister of Information and Development Colin Campbell pointed to the West Indies being chosen to host the ICC Champions Trophy in three years time as another part of the ICC WI Cricket World Cup 2007 legacy beginning to unfold.
In the face of scalding opposition in recent times by both parliamentary opposition and some members of the general public, Campbell urged that the World Cup be looked at in terms of its long term benefits and not just the projected US$9 million to be earned from ticket revenue.
He listed the permanent ability to host sporting events, but more importantly the availability of top class facilities for athletes to hone their skills, as the most important and lasting benefits that the World Cup tournament will provide.
BEST FACILITIES
"Our athletes deserve the best facilities, they have represented us proudly," he said.
"Even building the National Stadium in 1962 was a controversial decision, people did not see the benefit of spending so much money when there were other choices," he added.
Of the $105 million worth of direct investment, $28 million goes towards refurbishing Sabina Park, $30 million towards the stadium in Trelawny, while $22 million goes towards event execution, which includes the opening ceremony.
Campbell made his comments at a press conference at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) offices, where JAMPRO also fleshed out claims that as a direct result of hosting the tournament, the country could earn US$ 700 million in economic and social benefits over the next six years.
One hundred and 98 million dollars is projected for new non-traditional exports, 400 million in Foreign Direct Investments and 102 million in media exposure - a figure which the company thinks a modest projection. This is exclusive economic returns associated with tourism, or any use expected from future use of the stadiums.
"We are very excited about developing the Brand Jamaica image," said JAMPRO deputy president Sancia Bennett-Templer while outlining some of the economic strategies to be pursued by her company.
"We want to market along the lines of the place that you have always wanted to visit is a good place to do business," she added.
She also spoke of a Caribbean Business Club, which will facilitate networking in terms of information on trade opportunities.
A total of 123 member companies have already been registered with this organisation.
