The countdown has started in Grenada towards the hosting of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup games allocated to the Spice Isle with the unveiling of plans to train 3,500 volunteers.

The volunteers are to be known as the CWC VIBES, a name designed to reflect Caribbean culture and the spirit of the volunteers themselves. Volunteer Programme Manager, Peter McIntosh said that the name is meant to suggest volunteers who are among other things inspirational, bold, enthusiastic, energetic and sensational.

According to McIntosh, the volunteers that are needed for the hosting of the event will be asked to offer services ranging from medical to "meet and greet". The programme which was launched Monday at the Flamboyant Hotel in the south of the island follows on the heels of the launching of the World Cup mascot "Mello" at the Jamaica College, in Kingston, last Saturday.

The launch of the tournament Mascot took place exactly one year away from the opening ceremony of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, also scheduled for Jamaica. According to Mc Intosh, they will be looking for volunteers throughout the island to assist in 20 different areas for the staging of matches.

Persons interested in signing up as volunteers will be required to apply through applications forms that will be made available soon or on-line on the internet. The applications will be screened and successful persons will then receive accreditation to the games in Grenada.

Successful volunteers on completion of training will be certified and receive top quality brand name uniforms for the matches. Chairman of the local Board of Directors of Grenada LOC, accountant Henry Joseph stated that the volunteers to be chosen will have to do everything possible to ensure that every visitor coming to Grenada is welcomed in the Spice Isle.

According to Joseph, the participation of every Grenadian is a necessary ingredient to ensure the success of the matches. He said that approximately 5000 visitors are expected to come to Grenada at any one time and as such the volunteers need to ensure that the needs of every visitor are met.

Joseph sees volunteerism as a key ingredient to ensure the success of these cricket matches, adding that volunteering is not a task but a privilege. The function was also addressed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Eunice Sandy-David who was standing-in for Sports Minister Roland Bhola who was unable to attend the launch due to a Cabinet meeting.

Sandy-David encouraged the Volunteer Committee to pay special attention to giving persons with disabilities an opportunity to be a part of the event. The LOC has appointed a seven-member volunteer committee which includes Roman Catholic priest, Father Clifton Harris, and Permanent Secretaries Veda Bruno-Victor and Nordica Mc Intyre.

The first two volunteers to sign up for the programme are retired High Court Judge Justice Monica Joseph who heads the local Public Service Commission (PSC) and Royston La Hae, President of the Grenada Olympics Association.