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Are we ready to host the International Cricket Council's World Cup in 2007? With the current state of our grounds, lack of infrastructure, among other things today, we are not. . . but we will be, and we intend to make it the best World Cup ever.

That's because we are being systematic and deliberate in our preparations to host this prestigious event, and have great confidence in the ability of the Caribbean people to deliver.

The magnitude of the event in 2007 needs to be understood in order for people in the Caribbean to realise the nature of preparation which is required.

When the financial responsibilities, logistical challenges and economic opportunities are considered, the World Cup may well be the largest single transaction ever to take place in the region. We are, therefore, approaching it with the care and diligence that an event of this importance requires.

As managing director of West indies World Cup 2007, over the past four months I have undertaken extensive research and held numerous discussions with organisations and individuals all over the world, including many who have been involved in the organising of cricket World Cups, the Olympic Games and, even, football World Cups.

It is critical that we learn from the successes and mistakes of others and even more critical that we adopt an entirely global approach to the management of this mega event. Global, because a this is not our cricket World Cup as so many people believe it is.

We are the designated hosts of the 2007 ICC World Cup. That means we have been entrusted with the responsibility on behalf of the entire cricket world, roughly 74 countries, to execute the event. We will, therefore, be working very closely with the ICC and the Global Cricket Corporation that owns the substantial commercial rights to the event, to deliver the content that satisfies the lucrative television and sponsorship contracts already negotiated. These contracts guarantee the ICC US$550m. in revenues for the cricket World Cups in 2003 and 2007, and the ICC Knock-Out trophy.

To say that our cricket venues generally are inadequate would be an understatement. But that is only one of the many challenges we face in preparing to host the World Cup.

Intra-regional transportation, accommodation and general event logistics given the widespread geographic reality of hosting any event across so many islands pose equally daunting prospects. Ground transportation, standardised event medical services, media management and communication will also be difficult.

All of the challenges are exacerbated by the thousands of visitors anticipated. As they often do, these challenges present opportunities for us to leave a lasting legacy of cricket infrastructure.

It will also help the Caribbean to reap the economic rewards of hosting one of the world's biggest sporting events 54 limited-overs international matches, 14 teams, cumulatively 800 000 patrons and 1.5 billion television viewers.

In putting together a master plan for the hosting of 2007 cricket World Cup, we have armed ourselves with the information of what other major event organisers have done, and will be applying what we feel is relevant, doable and necessary to stage a successful World Cup.

Of course, given the unique situation of managing an event across potentially 14 different countries or more, we intend to incorporate innovations in our event management and project planning which others may well learn from going forward.

CARICOM governments have been periodically briefed on developments and they in turn have given their commitment to do whatever is necessary to host a successful event.

Once approved by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), the master plan being developed will be presented to governments and rolled out across the Caribbean in earnest.

Since neither governments nor WICB will be able to stage this World Cup successfully alone, our worst enemy is apathy by the people of the Caribbean since the event seems so far away. The public must be galvanised and energised, and the opportunity will be there for them to get involved and make this the greatest World Cup there ever was or ever will be.

We certainly look forward to that support.

© The Barbados Nation