Govt Welcomes Beausejour’s Selection as a 2007 Cricket World Cup Venue
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Govt Welcomes Beausejour’s Selection as a 2007 Cricket World Cup Venue |
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Contact: Earl Bousquet “It’s a Great Day for St. Lucia,” says Acting Prime Minister Mario Michel Monday, July 5, 2004 - Acting Prime Minister Mario Michel says St. Lucia’s selection as a venue for the Cricket World Cup just two years after construction of the Beausejour Cricket ground is “yet another major achievement for the island.” “It’s a great day for St. Lucia,” the Minister said, noting that the announcement came less than a week after St. Lucia’s world famous twin peaks, The Pitons, were declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Mr Michel said St. Lucia’s successful bid was the result of “a combination of foresight, years of hard work and special preparation on the part of the Government of St. Lucia and the local Bid Committee.” Commenting minutes after Monday morning’s announcement of the eight venues selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Mr Michel, who is also Minister with responsibility for Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports, said it was “also the result of years of hard work that started back in 1998.” He recalled that 1998 was the year “when a decision was taken not to rehabilitate the Mindoo Philip Park, but to work towards establishing a world class venue for cricket in St. Lucia.” That decision, he recalled, was followed by another taken in 2000 to have architects draw up a design for the Beausejour Cricket Ground, and then there was the eventual commissioning of our new national cricket facility of international standards in 2002.” He continued: “The hosting of first class, world-class cricket matches at Beausejour following its commissioning, the establishment of the high-powered Bid Committee and the meticulous planning that went into our bid effort, all contributed to today’s success.” “To have been selected as a venue for World Cup Cricket just two years after constructing the Beausejour Cricket Ground,” Mr Michel noted, “is not just a signal honour, but also a great tribute to our collective, team efforts.” Mr Michel said he was “not surprised” that St. Lucia was selected as a venue and paid special tribute to the late Chairman of the St. Lucia Tourist Board, Mr Desmond Skeete, “who, as Chairman of the Bid Committee, contributed significantly to the success of the Committee’s work at home and abroad.” According to the Acting Prime Minister: “The entire Cabinet of Ministers joins with the rest of the country in celebrating the successful bid, and we look forward to even more good news next Tuesday (July 14) when the announcements will be made regarding what matches will be played where.” |
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