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HOME	NOVEMBER 05th, 2005

The People's Republic of China has reassured Grenada that the National Stadium at Queen’s Park will be ready for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Ambassador Quian Hong Shan of Mainland China disclosed this at the Sod-tuning ceremony held Tuesday for the reconstruction work to be done on the sporting facility that was left badly damaged by the passing of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

According to the diplomat, there are more than 30 Chinese workers in Grenada ready to start construction, and they will work very hard to meet the agreement that was signed by the two governments on the stadium project. Ambassador Quian and Minister of Works Claris Modeste-Curwen signed the contract last month for the reconstruction work on the stadium.

The Chinese envoy told the assembled gathering that the sporting facility will not only be used for the cricket world cup, but will bring joy to cricket lovers in Grenada. Managing Director and C.E.O of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Jamaican Chris Dehering who was present said that the sod-turning ceremony is not a celebration, but it starts a process of challenging works.

He pointed out that the stadium project is just one out of 24 areas involved in getting a country ready for such a mega event as the world cup. Grenada is expected to host six matches during the tournament.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell told the crowd that the re-construction of the sporting facility is an investment in the youth of the country, and for bringing improvement in sports. The NPP government has come under heavy criticisms from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for placing too much priority on re-building the stadium while so many people on the island are left without inadequate homes.

The stadium was also said to be uninsured when it was ravaged by Ivan. The Prime Minister indicated that he is convinced the decision taken by government to give the stadium priority was a good one because of the amount of people including those from the business community to witness the ceremony.