WITH the Senate having sent the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC)West Indies 2007 Act, better known as the Sunset Legislation, to Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall for his assent it is now a matter of days before the act becomes law.

Jamaica now awaits the world descending in her backyard for the greatest cricket show on earth. With just over 120 days to go to the opening ceremony of newly-built stadium at Florence Hall in Trelawny, it is important that persons know the various breaches and the possible penalties under this temporary law, designed to ensure the smooth running of the tournament. Here are a few extracts from the Sunset Legislation that you may need to know.

Road closures

The act gives the Commissioner of Police the right to close roads as he thinks necessary for the purpose of safety of persons and the protection of property.

The law gives the Commissioner the right to institute measures for the control and regulation of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in relation to the CWC venue.

If the Commissioner intends to close a road for more than three days, he must publish his intention to close the roads in the Gazette and in at least one daily newspaper.

A person commits an offence if he enters a closed road without permission from a police officer on the ground; interferes with sign or barriers indicating closure of road; or refuses to leave the road, having been directed by the police to do so.

A person convicted for such breach is liable on summary conviction before a resident magistrate to a fine up to $300,000

Control of airspace

Persons, who without permission, operates an aircraft within any restricted airspace commits a criminal offence and may be fined up to $1 million if convicted.

Sale of goods and services

CWC 2007 has the power to cease goods that are displayed without permission for sale in its venues.

Under section 29 of the act, no person shall sell or display goods for sale; distribute flyers or pamphlets and collect money or orders from members of the public for goods or services.

A person who contravenes this section of the law may be removed from the venue and a refusal to do so may land them before the courts. A conviction for a breach may attract a maximum fine of $1 million.

Advertisements on building/structures

Unless authorised by CWC 2007, a person commits a criminal offence if he advertises or places on buildings or other structure, displays having to do with the World Cup. Words or phrase protected under the law include: Cricket World Cup, World Cup, World Cup Cricket, CWC and CWC West Indies.

The CWC 2007, under the law can remove these advertisements, but are to ensure they take the necessary care to minimise damage.

Breach of this section of the law may attract a fine that could be as high as $200,000.

Tickets

Persons who use tickets for promotional purposes without the permission of CWC 2007 may be fined up to $500,000 if convicted.

And if you have already purchased a ticket and has changed your mind about the use of that ticket, deciding to sell or swop it may land you in problems. Persons may not sell, offer to sell or make gain, hire or barter tickets. A breach of the law in this respect carries a maximum fine of $1 million.

The provisions of this act will cease to exist at sunset on June 30 next year.