Lloyd confident Caribbean can host successful World Cup

Clive Lloyd, the West Indies legend, believes the Caribbean can host a successful World Cup given the organisers execute their plans effectively. Currently chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board's cricket committee and an ICC match referee, Lloyd summarised a six-part list of activities for the World Cup's think tank.

"It was quite a proud moment for me when the International Cricket Council awarded the 2007 World Cup to the West Indies," Lloyd, 62, wrote in a guest article for the The Economist. "It is undoubtedly the biggest single event ever hosted in the Caribbean and, in my view, it is the best thing to have happened to the Caribbean community in general, and to West Indies cricket in particular.

"We (West Indies) will never get a second chance to make a first impression," he added. "The journey to 2007 is well under way. It is extremely challenging, but it must be pursued purposefully and with all the creative energy. Failure is not an option for the West Indies in this exciting venture."

Among Lloyd's six-part agenda were high-tech stadiums, enough fully equipped hotel rooms, sufficient modes of transportation for tourists, top-class security, good medical facilities and a smooth customs and immigration process.

"The stakes are high," Lloyd said. "The short-term gain for a successful 2007 Cricket World Cup will be a massive financial windfall for the Caribbean. The long-term benefits for the region and for West Indies cricket are even greater."

The organisers have already faced flak over a visa row regarding the introduction of special visa requirements between January and May. The World Cup kicks off on March 13 at Kingston.