Managing Director & CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc., Chris Dehring, says the new Saint Lucia government has pledged its full support for CWC 2007 which starts in less than two months. He and ICC CWC 2007 Chairman, Kenneth Gordon, met with Cabinet members in Castries to update the new administration on progress towards the Event, which starts March 5 with a series of Warm-up matches.

“We made a presentation to the Saint Lucian government to update them on Cricket World Cup – where we are; what still needs to be done, et cetera – and they have expressed strong support for the Event,” said Dehring.

The government – which assumed office in general elections held a month ago – assured that the entire Local Organising Committee (LOC) will remain intact and there will be continuity in its operation until the tournament’s conclusion at the end of April.

“The Cabinet appreciate the necessity of keeping LOC staff, who have done the ground work for the Cricket World Cup and who are now prepared to run the tournament, in their current posts at this juncture. These are the people who have brought Saint Lucia to the brink of fulfilling its World Cup mandate and they are therefore in the best position to complete the remaining work and to execute Match-Day operations,” noted Dehring, adding that LOC CEO, Ernest Hilaire, also made a presentation to the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the government underlined its commitment to ICC CWC 2007 during a media briefing held after the meeting.

Newly-appointed Sports Minister, the Hon. Lennard Montoute, disclosed that a Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to work with the LOC in meeting Saint Lucia’s obligations in hosting the Event.

He said accommodation and air transportation will be among the main issues to be addressed as Saint Lucia wants visitors to have as “hassle-free” an experience as possible.