ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

Here are two editorials from West Indian newspapers that project contrasting veiws on the World Cup - ticket pricing, the ICC, the local organising committes and the final.

The Nation, published in Barbados, tells its readers that the event will be an enduring legacy for the country. It also chides those harping on the negative issues like high ticket prices and asks them to look at the positives - money spent on developing the Kensington Oval, massive road expansion and general enhancement that has been undertaken by the government.

Sceptics in our region tend to react as though being smaller and less affluent is somehow a hindrance on ability to be constructive and industrious.

The Trinidad & Tobago Express, meanwhile unapologetically harps on ticket prices and the ICC dictatorial attitude.

Remarking on the way in which the ICC was allowed too free a hand to dictate the conduct of these games, a Trinidad and Tobago government official involved in some aspects of the arrangements, made this public comment, after the fall-out began to emerge. The people of the Caribbean were never allowed to take ownership of these games.

Such a capitulation must never be permitted in the future.