ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

AN OFFICIAL of Grenada's Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 has denied reports that the government has ordered the repainting of the National Stadium in a colour with which the ruling party of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell associates itself.

Grenada LOC's Communications Specialist Troy Garvey denies there has been any pressure from government regarding the venue's painting.

Reports indicated that a decision had been made by the government to repaint the stadium at a cost of EC$250,000 (US$93,808.63) because of government's dissatisfaction with what were supposedly predominantly colours of yellow, the symbolic colour of the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The alleged repainting process would change that colour to green, the colour with which the ruling New National Party (NNP) associates itself.

"We're looking at trying to get it (the colour) as close as is possible to the artistic impression of the stadium," Garvey said. "Who wants to turn this into a political football, so be it."

Garvey said that the initial colour scheme calls for shades of beige, and the Chinese, who have also undertaken the cost of painting the stadium, have been working with the paint experts.

"Give us the necessary time and you will safely see that the stadium will not be in yellow or green. The Chinese are responsible for painting the stadium and they are now priming the walls. The final coat is still to be put on the stadium," Garvey said.

Grenada will host Super Eight (quarter-final) matches during the World Cup from April 10 to 21.