Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06GEORGETOWN1154
2006-11-03 19:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Georgetown
Cable title:  

GUYANA PASSES CRICKET WORLD CUP LEGISLATION

Tags:  ECON PGOV CASC ASEC GY 
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UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 001154 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV CASC ASEC GY
SUBJECT: GUYANA PASSES CRICKET WORLD CUP LEGISLATION

Ref: GEORGETOWN 979

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 001154

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV CASC ASEC GY
SUBJECT: GUYANA PASSES CRICKET WORLD CUP LEGISLATION

Ref: GEORGETOWN 979


1. With minimal debate, Guyana's Parliament unanimously passed
legislation governing venue access, commercial rights and public
order for the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in Guyana
from March 27 to April 9, 2007. The International Cricket Council
(ICC) mandated passage of the so-called Sunset Legislation, which
expires after the event, by November 1, and Parliament's approval
clears a major legislative hurdle to Guyana's retaining the games.


2. Discussion on the bill, which was fast-tracked to passage in one
sitting on November 2, focused on the magnitude of fines for
violations of prohibitions on ambush marketing and infringement of
commercial rights. Ruling People's Progressive Party parliamentarian
and former Attorney General Bernard DeSantos also introduced an
amendment to include a maximum nine-month prison sentence in lieu of
fines. In an unusual display of cooperation, Opposition People's
National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and Deputy Speaker Clarissa
Riehl reportedly praised Prime Minister Sam Hinds for engaging the
PNC/R to seek support for the bill and said that "failure is not an
option" for Guyana to prepare itself for the event.


3. With passage of the Sunset Legislation behind it, Guyana's
attention will now turn to the completion of the stadium venue. The
Deputy Prime Minister of India is scheduled to come to Guyana on
November 8 to christen the stadium, which the Local Organizing
Committee reports is 99 percent complete. ICC officials are
scheduled to come to Guyana on November 16 to assess Guyana's
preparedness and make a final determination as to its suitability to
host the games.


4. Local Organizing Committee head Karran Singh met with EmbOffs
November 3 to discuss Guyana's preparedness. When asked about his
biggest challenge, Singh cited security concerns, specifically crowd
control. An ICC contractor is set to provide security training to
350 venue staff this month. As far as expected attendance is
concerned, Singh did not have information on ticket sales, but he
noted that some tour operators have released hotel rooms due to less
than expected demand for high-end ticket packages. The LOC is still
in the process of arranging bed and breakfast and tent
accommodations (reftel),and Singh also noted that the local Muslim
community is making arrangements to cater for cricket fans from such
nations as Pakistan, whose team will likely play several games in
Guyana. Singh also expressed disappointment with the Mayor of
Georgetown for not taking a leadership role in sprucing up the city,
and he suggested that President Jagdeo should also make preparation
for the event a higher priority in the run up to the games. Singh
did not ask for USG support.

ROBINSON