Keisha Shakespeare Blackmore, Staff Reporter
LISA O'GILVIE
Lisa-Ann O'Gilvie, LOC events manager, logistics and operations, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. - Andrew Smith/Photography Editor
Lisa O'Gilvie, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) events manager, logistics and the operations, has been working with since November 2005.
Working with LOC requires hard work and dedication but O'Gilvie has had her share of experience with major events. Prior to her current job, she managed major events and has been honing her skills on events such as the Fireworks on the Waterfront events for the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and a slew of major festivals and productions locally and overseas.
Her Role:
Along with others, such as volunteers, medical and production and security personnel, her core role is to ensure that they operate from one core event plan developed for the tournament, supporting the integration process of the team, and providing the framework and tools for event operations and delivery. She also has the duty of working closely with the event authorities and some key local stakeholders and agencies.
Challenges:
Her biggest challenge is finding the right balance between working with a large and diverse group of personalities, plus, ensuring that everything is well detailed. This can truly cause her sleepless nights. "I keep jumping up thinking it's the day of the opening ceremony, and I overslept. But really it was just a passing truck horn, not the roar of the crowd," said O'Gilvie.
Though her task is challenging, she said it is a great experience for future application. And the good part is that in the end, the teamwork really flows. She added that what she wants to see is the LOC's team delivering a well-organised programme of activities. And if she did her part well, then all that is left is for them to take command of the challenges ahead.
Her Prediction:
"I predict that we are going to be simply bowled over by the outcome. Of course, my heart and support are with our Windies team."
Joan Young-Davis
Joan Young-Davis is the special events coordinator. Her team is partly responsible for inducing enthusiasm among Jamaicans for the coming ICC Cricket World Cup. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
From managing the Prime Minister's gala, to coordinating the cultural events for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England's golden jubilee celebration at King's House, Mrs. Joan Young-Davis' experience in event planning and management is quite extensive. This makes her perfectly suited for the post she now holds as special events manager for Jamaica's Local Organising Committee (LOC), for the ICC Cricket World Cup.
One of the LOC's mandates, as explained by Mrs. Young-Davis, is "to induce energy among our Jamaican people for cricket," and that is where she comes in, heading the team responsible for 'building a vibe' for Cricket World Cup in Jamaica.
Excitement
Planning activities that will generate excitement, such as the recent introduction of the official mascot, Mello and hosting the LOC series 'Cricket Under the Tent', fall under her scope.
In fact, her first official duty as special events manager was staging the very first 'Cricket Under the Tent', held last October in Port Royal. Since then, her team has followed up with similar events at the Verandah and Friends on the Deck, both in the New Kingston area, where the public receives information about ticketing and the like for Cricket World Cup 2007, while enjoying an environment of 'fun and games.'
The world will be watching when the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 bowls off, and that poses a huge responsibility for the management team involved. Mrs. Young-Davis however, is not fazed, and explains that, "The challenges in this job are the same as I would face in any other job - attempting to put out your best, to be creative, while keeping in mind the stark reality that we are bound by budgetary constraints."
Rather, she finds it exciting, that such a large event is going to take place in Jamaica, and sees this as a prime opportunity, "to promote brand Jamaica and all that is good about our country."
Her biggest challenge is finding the right balance between working
with a large and diverse group of personalities, and ensuring that everything is well detailed.
... she finds it exciting, that such a large event is going to take place in Jamaica, and sees this as a prime opportunity, to promote brand Jamaica
MICHELE FREDRICKS
Michele Federicks - photo by Nashauna Drummond
Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
A good team needs individuals working together to achieve the common goal. Michele Fredericks-Johnson is one member of the Local Organisation Committee (LOC) for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, serving as special projects manager.
"I work in any special project that we have, like establishing a cricket village or activities in Trelawny. I work with the managers in charge," she explains.
She joined the team in May of last year and the ride has moved swiftly since then. Whereas the grandeur of the event may have caused some to shy away from such a challenge, it's the reason she was drawn to the event.
A huge event
"It's such a huge event. If you have the opportunity to be a part of something like this, you should. I have learnt quite a lot, met people I probably wouldn't have," she says.
Her background is in the field of architecture but she eventually moved on to the Inter-American Development Bank where she was responsible for monitoring government loans. That's where her project management skills came to the fore and this has helped in her current post with the LOC.
With all the variables to consider in preparing for the event, a myriad of potential snags can affect the preparation.
"The biggest challenge, because we're all working as a team, is time; (we're) running out of it. Getting everything done is a huge task," she chuckles. Despite the extra bustle that seems to be engulfing the project now, she is confident the work will get done in time for the big event. Sometimes, having too many hands in the proverbial pot will ruin the meal. In this case, that's just what the recipe calls for.
"I'm just one of many persons. There are so many women involved and not just at the managerial level," she said. Even with all the members, the hours will hit you for six.
Constantly thinking
"My family will be grateful when I'm finished. Even when I'm at home I'm constantly thinking about what needs to be done," she says. For her, putting on a good show and the success of the tournament will be measured by the reaction of the visitors.
"For foreigners to come here and have a good time, that would be the biggest success. It's not just about cricket. Really, it's about Jamaica putting its best foot forward," she explained.
Her contract to work with the LOC goes until June, so what's next?
"A long break," she smirks. Hopefully, her innings will help to make Cricket World Cup a success.
