Christopher Dehring

NEW YORK CITY (CMC)

CRICKET WORLD Cup (CWC) 2007 chief executive officer Chris Dehring has called on Caribbean nationals in the diaspora to fully support the region in its hosting of international cricket 's global event next year.

Dehring told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Thursday night that all Caribbean nationals should give their unconditional support to World Cup organisers.

"There's no need to hold back support," he said immediately after promoting the event at a press reception in lower Manhattan.

"The rest of the world is seeing an incredible event taking shape in the Caribbean, and we want them (Caribbean nationals in the United States) to be part of it too," he said.

"Therefore, please make your plans to come to the Caribbean or to watch what we're doing in 2007.

"Please feel free to be proud of what we're doing and try and lend your support to hosting this event in 2007," he said.

Dehring said he is gratified that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and nationals at home in general have fully supported the region in hosting the prestigious World Cup.

"They have come together because they want to make sure that we shine when 2007 comes," he said.

"And it has been fantastic to see that type of cooperation, perhaps unprecedented in the history of the Caribbean," he added.

Dehring said Windies organisers have allayed much fear and scepticism about the region's ability to host the event by the sound exhibition of organisational and managerial skills.

"As we've seen concrete and steel come out of the ground, stadia construction schedule being met on time, operational plans being developed and rolled out and information provided to various stakeholders, I think that scepticism has started to dissipate," he said.

"And people are looking on with a certain amount of admiration for these little countries in the Caribbean coming together and taking on Goliath," he added.

"The point is, this Cricket World Cup train is gathering a tremendous head of steam, and is very much on track," he continued.

Dehring and legendary Windies fast bowler Rev Wes Hall, among other executives, were in New York as part of the organisers' continuing bid to promote Cricket World Cup 2007 around the globe.