BRIDGETOWN, July 23: Major renovations to Kensington Oval were proceeding smoothly and the venue will be ready to host World Cup matches when the sports biggest event kicks off next year, the prime minister said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur said upgrades to the historic 123-year-old cricket stadium, situated on the outskirts of greater Bridgetown, were on time or only slightly delayed.

“There is hardly any part of the project that is behind schedule,” Arthur said. “I am really happy with the tremendous progress that have led to Kensington being in the state of readiness that it is.”

The comments come following reports earlier this year that some of the 12 venues designated for the tournament, particularly those in Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana and Grenada, would not be ready in time.—AP