Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Executive director of the Local Organising Committee for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Robert Bryan (right), attaching an official ICC pin to the shirt of president and chief executive officer of Cable and Wireless, Rodney Davis. Cable and Wireless, an official sponsor of the tournament, launched their advertising campaign in the VIP lounge of the George Headley Stand at Sabina Park yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Cable & Wireless, the official telecommunication provider for the ICC CWC 2007 Cricket World Cup, yesterday announced that they are putting the finishing touches to the telecommunications systems that will serve the needs of Jamaicans and visitors in the period up to, during and well after the staging of the 2007 World Cup.

With just under two months to go before the cricket showpiece event, the telecommunications giants made the disclosure while hosting the media and several stakeholders to their official launch at Sabina Park which is currently being upgraded,.

Delighted

"We are delighted to be among the first at the new Sabina, and we think this is entirely deserving given the history of our company's long involvement with cricket in the region," said C&W president, Rodney Davis.

He added: "For us then our sponsorship involvement in the ICC World Cup of cricket 2007 is merely a continuation of our relationship with the game and underscores our commitment to always find creative ways to assist and support West Indies cricket."

Rodney also said the event will help to show off the beauty of the islands.

Opportunity

"We see the staging of the event in Jamaica and the region as an opportunity for us to show off the natural beauty of our islands and capabilities of our people.

"We all see it as an opportunity to generate economic development and to forge new friendships that will last long after the West Indies have gained their third hold on the trophy," he added.

INTERNET PORTAL

Cable & Wireless also made it clear that over the past two years, it has been involved in a partnership with Jamaica Promotions Agency (Jampro) that is designed to help local businesses to showcase their goods and services via a dedicated internet portal.

Cable & Wireless' Ambas-sador, Courtney Walsh, also endorsed the event, but said he had mixed feelings as the event approaches.

"On the one hand I am thrilled that the event is coming to the Caribbean for the first time, while on the other hand, a small part of me wishes that I was still playing as every cricketer loves the opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd," he said.

unforgettable memories

"I do have unforgettable memories from my participation in the Cricket World Cup," he added.

Several politicians, cricket administrators, stakeholders and cricket loving fans attended the launch at Sabina Park.

Some of who attended also had fun with bat and ball, including Kingston Mayor, His Worship Desmond McKenzie, ICC WI 2007 CEO and executive director Chris Dehring, as well as Lisa Hanna, the 1993 Miss Jamaica World.

Please send your feedback to anthony.foster@gleanerjm.com.