PORT-OF-SPAIN, Dec 29: Cricket fans travelling to the Caribbean for the 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC) can rest assure they will feel secure as the host countries for the event will implement security measures of an unprecedented level.

Mia Mottley, Deputy Premier of Barbados and Chairman of the Caribbean Community Sub Committee for 2007 CWC security said, “The World Cup is the third-largest global sporting event, and we are expecting thousands of people to come to the Caribbean for it. We will make sure people feel safe, and, as a result, implement several security measures.”

She opined that given the chances of terrorism, the security has to be optimal for an event such as the CWC and indicated that the Caribbean states have invested heavily in this area. “In the Caribbean it may be believed we are not at risk from terrorism. However, reality dictates we take every step to ensure we provide a secured environment for staging the CWC.”

One of main security measures is CARICOM Special Visa, which fans from most of the countries will need for travelling to the CWC 2007 venues. It will be required for travelling to the host countries from January 15 to May 15, 2007 and is available as of December 15, 2006.

“Special Visa is a safety net for the cricket fans. In implementing this decision for visa requirement, the host countries have created a Single Domestic Space that will provide hassle-free movement of cricket fans,” said Mottley.

The countries in Single Domestic Space are Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago.

The visa issuing sites will be located in the host countries, as well as in Toronto, New York, Miami, New Delhi, Sydney and London. —Agencies