ICC CWC 2007 Managing Director and CEO Chris Dehring (right) with Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Denis Kingsley. - Contributed

AS CRICKETERS from the 16 participating nations and fans from more than a hundred countries prepare to descend on the Caribbean, the region continues to get ready for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 with the assistance of many countries worldwide.

Several nations have had a significant input into tournament-related preparations. During a recent visit to CWC headquarters, Cricket World Cup regional coordinator for the U.S. embassy in Barbados, Ann Jackson, disclosed that the U.S. Government has contributed at least US$3 million in training for CWC 2007.

"We have provided 80 training classes on issues such as port security, airport security, bomb detection, health-care sector management, resource manage-ment, traffic management, VIP protection and disaster manage-ment," she said, adding that training for air marshals is ongoing throughout the host venues.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has facilitated the installation of the Advanced Passenger Information System 'for the purposes of ensuring greater security' during ICC CWC 2007.

Going well

"APIS is now operational and going well I've been told. We anticipate that this project will be one of the legacies of the Cricket World Cup," said Jackson, whose post took effect last October and encompasses the nine Host Venues.

Regarding the establishment of a special position within the embassy dedicated to ICC CWC 2007, she explained that the event was seen as 'very important' and therefore a central desk handling all matters concerning the tournament was created.

"This post was set up so that Washington (DC) could have a better feel for the event and the requests that might be received from the host venues.

"The Cricket World Cup is obviously a great opportunity for the region to showcase its potential to the world and the U.S. Government is pleased to provide whatever assistance it can," she said, adding that consular staff will be available throughout CWC 2007 to respond to any incidents involving American citizens.

ICC CWC 2007 managing director and CEO, Chris Dehring, noted that a number of countries - including Australia, Canada, China, India, France, South Africa and the U.K. - have been involved in preparations for the tournament, from the building of stadia to security exercises and event management.

He added that there were official licensees, for example official travel agents and official hospitality agents, across the world.

Attracting attention

"A lot of international assistance and expertise has gone into this Cricket World Cup and, with 16 teams vying for the title and 98 member-countries of the ICC, it's obviously attracting a lot of attention internationally.

"From time to time, the regional diplomatic community has visited CWC headquarters to express their support and be briefed on how our plans are progressing," said Dehring who has met with consular representatives from Australia, Canada, India, the U.K. and the U.S.

Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica, Denis Kingsley, noted that as "one of the participating nations, Canada is looking forward to a successful event" and is pleased to support CWC and the Caribbean in hosting a memorable ICC Cricket World Cup.