West Indies keeps opening ceremony under wrap but promises a gala

St John's, Antigua, June 21 (UNI) Though organisers are keeping the cards close to their chest regarding the opening ceremony, chief executive&CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Chris Dehring promised it would be a fusion of all the special elements that make the Caribbean unique and appealing.

Though he announced that the Opening Ceremony would be a collaborative undertaking among all the Host Venues, spearheaded by Jamaica, Mr Dehring told a decision has been taken ''to keep this event in-house.'' He said plans are well underway to ensure that the ''first taste of the Cricket World Cup showcases the Caribbean's rich heritage - cricket and otherwise - and the talent and creativity of our people''.

''While we obviously cannot divulge details of the Opening Ceremony, it will be a reflection of this region and its amazing cricketing, musical and entertainment culture. The challenge is to fuse all the special elements which make the Caribbean the unique and appealing destination it is,'' he said.

The Opening Ceremony, which will herald the start of the six-week tournament across nine Caribbean countries, is slated for Sunday March 11, 2007, at the new Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium in Jamaica. The Jamaica Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been given responsibility for overseeing its planning in conjunction with fellow LOCs in the other eight Host Venues.

''We are pleased to have been asked to take the lead in this assignment which we will undertake on behalf of the whole region.

This is the one event in the Cricket World Cup that will showcase the entire Caribbean to the world,'' said Jamaica LOC CEO, Robert Bryan.

ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc. Chairman Kenneth Gordon stressed that, while intent on staging ''an Opening Ceremony of which the Caribbean can be proud'', it would be important to control costs.

''As with all world games, concerns have been expressed about costs. We are well aware of the challenge of exercising financial prudence with every aspect of Cricket World Cup, including the Opening Ceremony, while observing world-class standards'' he said, pointing out that Germany had publicly announced the 'scaling down' of its Opening Ceremony for the ongoing FIFA World Cup to reduce costs.

UNI XC AY GC1316