Dehring Confident in Grenada

Managing Director and chief executive of Cricket World Cup 2007 Chris Dehring says he is looking forward to Grenada hosting its leg of the tournament despite the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Ivan's direct hit on Grenada.

In a statement, Dehring said that managing the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters associated with the Caribbean had been "incorporated into the preparations" for the World Cup tournament in 2007 from the outset.

The storm toppled the roofing for the covered stands (see photo) in the Cricket Stadium and fittings that made up the double-decker stands lay furrowed on the infield after the three-hour pounding.

The electronic scoreboard at the National Stadium was destroyed and the manual scoreboard at the Cricket Stadium was also demolished by the powerful winds.

Dehring express "deep regret" over the loss of life and property experienced by the people of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and called for a strong regional response to the catastrophe.

Another major worry for Dehring and the World Cup planners is the severe damage to accommodation (hotels and resorts) throughout the Spice Island. It is not clear if Grenada's initial bid catered for natural disasters and it won't be a surprise if a cricket stadium is low on the government's rebuilding priorities.

The storm also destroyed hospitals, schools, police stations and roads and interrupted power, water and phone supplies.

Government budgeting to rebuild after major emergencies usually give priority to essential services ahead of sports facilities.