THE EDITOR, Sir:
TO FULLY understand the debate raging over the preferred site for hosting the 2007 World Cricket Cup it is useful to know what the tournament involves. This tournament would pit 16 international teams against each other, who will be required to play a minimum of two warm-up matches and three first round matches - this is guaranteed to all 16 teams.
The top eight teams will advance to the second round, plus play six more matches each. The top four will advance to the semi-finals where two matches are played and the two winners play one final match; making a total of 51 matches plus 16-32 warm-up matches - ranging from a maximum of 83 and a minimum of 67 for the region over a 65-day period (April-May 2007).
The tournament requires a minimum of eight venues (Note: Not 8 countries). In other words, a country may receive ratification for more than one site and this will be based solely on the eight venues being identified as the eight best facilities. Rumour has it that both Trinidad and Antigua have two possible sites. It was announced at Venue Summit One in St. Lucia that all national bids would require the signature of the country's Head of Government and the President of the National Cricket Association.
What is the Case, therefore, for Both?
If there is a minimum of 67 matches - a country, like Jamaica with one venue will be eligible for up to four warm-up matches and six to seven tournament matches. Jamaica is guaranteed no more. However, with two venues, we would get a second round with six to seven more matches and two more warm-up matches - a possible total of up to 18 matches. This includes the potential of a semi-final and final match.
I am advised by professionals, in the Stadium Construction Industry, that cost for a concrete sport stadium with covered seating and all modern amenities and technology will cost a minimum of US$2,000 per seat.
It is proposed for Sabina Park, the expansion of the existing 14,000 seat-structure for a permanent 20,000 seating capacity and adding 10,000 additional seats for the World Cup: for Trelawny it is proposed a 22,000 permanent seat stadium with 6,000 parking spaces, an Arena, a Racing Track, accommodation for visiting teams and Sports Tourism Visitors. Sabina Park seems to have a rather large budget for renovation at approximately US$19m; while Trelawny has a rather low budget for a concrete stadium at US$26m.
The first point I wish to make is that both sites be not constructed to the extent they propose, but rather I respectfully wish to submit that it is possible to achieve what they both individually need without the projected Budget.
Sabina Park does not need a 20,000 permanent concrete structure, nor does Jamaica need a third stadium with over 20,000 permanent seats for the multi-purpose event Trelawny anticipates - note the operative word is 'permanent'.
I submit, therefore, that Sabina Park be made the most sophisticated and technologically advanced 20,000 permanent seat stadium in the Caribbean with a publicly funded budget not to exceed US$20m and that Trelawny be made a 5,000 permanent seat multi-purpose venue that also has publicly funded Budget of US$10m. By reducing the permanent concrete construction for both venues and increasing the use of modular stadium construction (steel and aluminum) the Budget of US$30m for both is achievable. Both stadiums can be expanded to meet 2007 World Cup needs by utilising modular temporary seating systems similar to those used in the British Golf Open, the Olympic Games - Sydney, Salt Lake and Athens.
Jamaica will now be able to bid for two of the eight venues, which will entitle us to up to 18 matches between Sabina Park and Trelawny for an overall of US$30m, which is not far above the Trelawny Budget.
From what I understand, the stadium requirements are but one of over twenty deliverables for a venue - the cost of these deliverables are substantial and would be required for each venue but by July 2004, each country will know what matches they will be getting.
I am, etc.,
HOWARD HAMILTON, Q.C.
Public Defender
