Grenada has turned the corner and no longer in the danger zone with respect to hosting matches in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. These were the reassuring words that came Monday from off the lips of ICC Cricket World Cup Venue Development Director, Don Lockerbie following a tour of the island"s national stadium at Queen"s Park and other facilities.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing following the tour, Lockerbie alleviated fears in some quarters that the island"s facilities might not be ready to accommodate the games. He said that Grenada has been elevated in its rating, adding that the cricket world cup is very pleased with what they have seen on the latest trip to the Spice Isle.

"In fact I would say that it has been an extraordinary performance by the Grenadian Technical team, the partners from the China development team, the Local Organising Committee and all involved in the stadium project", he added.

According to Lockerbie, "the stadium is moving along very well, the ability to see it coming into shape and form has very much impressed the ICC". The ICC official termed what transpired at the facilities in particular the stadium in recent weeks as an "extraordinary performance" and that the world body for cricket was "very wonderfully surprised".

Less than a month ago, a noted Trinidad and Tobago sports broadcaster, Alvin Corneal angered government officials in St. George"s when he took issue with Grenada"s decision to pursue the World Cup dream when it should be concentrating on reconstruction of the island following two devastating hurricanes in less than 15 months.
Lockerbie admitted that the touring party had expected to see only half of what was actually done by the work brigades.

The touring team comprised Lockerbie, as well as Eugene Van Vuuren, Andy Atkinson, Jeff Atherton and Rick Jemison. The visit follows on the heels of a previous tour by the delegation on March 1.

Facilities visited were the National Stadium construction site at Queen"s Park , the Practice Facilities at Progress Park and La Sargesse and the related external works including the Granville Vale Road Project, and the site of Phase 11 of the St. George"s General Hospital construction.

Lockerbie said that the team will now report to the ICC Board that Grenada is well on the way to hosting its super eight matches. "We"re very proud to state categorically today that we will be reporting to the ICC, to our board of Directors that Grenada is in elevated status and no longer in any kind of danger in our opinion of meeting or achieving the deadlines that they have imposed", he remarked.

Lockerbie also said that team members have been assured by the Chinese construction team and its engineers that the facility will be ready for the final deadline which is at the end of November. He added that the region in general has met their expectations to host matches

However, he pointed out that host countries should be mindful that there is still more work to be done before the commencement of the event and that accommodation needs to be worked on.

Lockerbie also had good news for the local LOC saying that Grenada has shown leadership in the LOC. Head of the local body, Roy O"Neal said that his committee was pleased with the outcome and feel quite confident that fears among the population have been alleviated and that Grenada will be fully ready come 2007.

Grenada will host six games in the Super Eight stage of the Cricket World Cup 2007 from April 10-20. Lockerbie said that they have already received applications for tickets from 90 countries. The next stop for the Venue Team is Barbados.