Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Christopher Smith, venue development manager, Jamaica LOC. - File

Don Lockerbie, ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Venue Development Director, has given high marks to Jamaica's Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their work on Sabina Park.

After touring, according to Lockerbie, 'every nook and cranny' of Sabina Park yesterday, he is confident the venue is on target for the delivery deadline of February 19, 2007.

"We are very happy with the leadership of the LOC and we give project manager Chris Smith high marks for the work that he has done," said Lockerbie.

More work to do

He, however, pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done, but not as much as they first thought.

"We were a little nervous coming into the last few weeks, about whether are not that deadline was in jeopardy, we would say right now that it is not in jeopardy at all, we just know that what we have seen in the last months...needs to continue."

Lockerbie said Jamaica should stand by Smith and his team. He also said workers needed to work harder and do extra hours.

He also said that once all the materials are on site, the contractors meet their deadlines, and everybody does what they say they are going to do, Jamaica will be 'good to go'.

Aware of deadlines

Project manager Smith said they are aware of the deadlines.

"The entire team at the LOC is galvanised around the delivery of these facilities in good time É I think we are, today, encouraged by the comments from the ICC reps, and CWC reps, and the sponsors.

Smith pointed to landscaping, spectators suite, work on information technology, building of practice nets, painting, work on ceilings work as some of the tasks which were still to be completed.

Warning note

David Richardson, ICC General Manager, expressed satisfaction with the facilities.

"If I was a player coming to this event, I would be extremely excited," he said.

"Well done to Chris and his team. But just a warning note, make sure that everyone keeps their foot on the pedal, keep the maintenance programme going so that come March and April when you there is no rain, that the facilities and field will be as good as they are today.

The team is currently on a nine country tour which started on the November 15 in Barbados.

They are expected to visit the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Sports facility today.