LASTING LEGACY: Great expectations

Article by HAYDN GILL

AT THE TURN of the new millennium, a buzz phrase reverberated around the Caribbean – World Cup 2007.

In the years leading up to the region’s hosting of the biggest event ever to come to this part of the world, there was a combination of an air of expectancy, lingering doubts over whether we were capable of successfully executing an undertaking of such a scale and promises of significant benefits.

At the same time, an increasing number of naysayers were arguing that the region was getting in over its head in attempting to stage sport’s biggest event.

Never before had a cricket World Cup been staged across nine countries, and pre-tournament concerns stemmed from challenges with logistics, accommodation, transportation, security and event management.

The pessimism slowly diminished in the face of intense preparations that included significant expenditure on cricket stadiums, other infrastructure, human resources and other areas, triggering claims that the massive investment would yield handsome profits and a range of other benefits.

haydngill@nationnews.com

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