Grenada Gets Ready for World Cup 2007

Grenada has begun preparations for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, including inspecting facilities and addressing the issue of accommodations, officials said.

Four years is not a long time for planning a large event, said Roy O'Neal, chairman of Grenada's national organizing committee for the World Cup.

"Some people may hold the view that four years is far away, but in order to have a successful World Cup, three years would be necessary for planning the events alone," O'Neal said Saturday. "The fourth year would be used for implementation."

Grenada hopes to host semifinal matches or the final of the World Cup, which is overseen by the International Cricket Council. O'Neal recently visited South Africa, site of this year's World Cup, with a delegation from the Caribbean.

O'Neal said as officials seek to address the issue of accommodation, they are examining a recommendation made by the South Africans that they use "floating hotels," or the use of residents' homes as temporary lodging.

Tourism Minister Brenda Hood said officials in her department have already begun encouraging residents to prepare additional space within their homes that be used for boarding.

With regard to transportation, every effort should be made to save cash-strapped LIAT regional airline, based in Antigua, now that the Caribbean is to host a major sporting event, Hood said.

Meanwhile, ICC security adviser Bob Smalley has determined that Grenada's facilities are safe. Smalley visited the island late last month to inspect the four-year-old Queen's Park Stadium.

In February 2002, then-president of the West Indies Cricket Board Pat Rosseau said Grenada was the only Caribbean country capable of hosting World Cup matches.

Rousseau warned then that the islands could lose the chance to host the tournament if they do not improve facilities and infrastructure.

Cricket officials in the region have hired grounds expert Don Lockerby to assist Caribbean countries in upgrading facilities to be ready for regular ICC inspections leading up to the event.

* From wire reports.