Grenada World Cup Inc has announced that reconstruction of the collapsed stadium at Queen's Park will start in Augustand completed in time for the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007.

Managing Director of Grenada World Cup Inc, retired banker Fiztroy O'Neale, told reporters at a press conference that the preparations for the Cricket World Cup "are very much on stream and that (construction work on the stadium) should be started in August."

According to O'Neale, the work will be done by Mainland China, which recently established diplomatic ties with Grenada at the expense of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan.

He disclosed that the remnats of steel, galvanize and other debris will be removed from the project site within a matter of weeks, to clear the way for the construction. He also said that there will be changes to the original design of the national stadium that collapsed as a result of the passage of Hurricane Ivan last September.

O'Neale indicated that a new players pavilion and media pavilion will be constructed at the Darbeau end, as well as a new pavilion at the River end with a seating capacity for 7-8,000 people. Grenada is to host six matches in the Super 8 round of the competition over a two week period.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Inc, Christopher Deherring who is based in Jamaica praised the people of Grenada for the strength shown in the post-Ivan experience. "Grenada's continued participation in hosting the event is very much a symbol of Caribbean resilience," he remarked.

Deherring pointed out that ICC's preparation for the cricket world cup is impeccable, adding that the level of detail that they have developed for the game is unprecedented.
He said the ICC, the Global Cricket Corporation have not seen this level of planning for other cricket World Cups. "We are creating history," he added.

Deherring stated that number of construction projects have already started in host countries across the region such as Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia with the cricket world cup in mind.. A total of twelve (12) stadia will be undergoing intensive upgrading for the World Cup in 2007.

The logo, mascot and schedule of matches for the World Cup will be announced on July 19 at a special event planned for Trinidad and Tobago.