Dehring: ‘ICC CWC 2007 must be World Class in everything'

Managing Director & CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Inc. Chris Dehring has reminded staff at the headquarters in Jamaica that "everything (for the Event) must be done to world-class standards".

Noting that this year is of crucial importance in ensuring next year's tournament is "the best Cricket World Cup ever", he told colleagues at a company retreat last Saturday that the cricketing world will be watching the Caribbean and depending on the region to deliver a first-rate event on all fronts, especially in hosting the 16 competing teams.

"Everything we do - from answering the phones right through to match-day execution - must be done to world-class standards and everybody's role is vital," Dehring declared, addressing ICC CWC 2007 Inc. employees at Clifton Mount in the scenic Blue Mountains overlooking the capital Kingston.

The CEO, who spearheaded the West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) bid to host the 2007 tournament, urged staff to remember that they are a team and "to lean on each other" and be ready and willing to stretch beyond the call of duty in this landmark undertaking. He also counselled them to extend this kind of "team spirit and support" to the Local Organising Committees (LOCs), "with whom we will be working closely to deliver a tournament of the highest calibre".

"When you're finished your work, be prepared to help others wherever you can," he said, adding that it will be a feat of unparalleled magnitude for nine sovereign countries to host cricket's signature tournament.

WICB CEO Roger Brathwaite, who attended the retreat for ICC CWC 2007 Heads of Department and the ensuing staff gathering, echoed Dehring's sentiments regarding how important it is for the tournament to be profitable, thereby securing the future of West Indies cricket.

"West Indies cricket will be in danger without the money from Cricket World Cup. We are depending on you," he said, speaking candidly about the WICB's financial plight.

Venue Development Director & Chief Operating Officer Donald Lockerbie, Commercial Manager Stephen Price and Event Director Nigel Rushman also addressed staff, all citing the "life-changing experience" which ICC CWC 2007 will be for all involved.

ICC CWC 2007 Inc. now has more than 60 employees, mostly drawn from across various Caribbean countries, who - by virtue of their work - are gaining "invaluable skills in professional sports administration". This, Dehring noted, will be among the "most important legacies for the region".