Sport

Arthur: CWC issues need to be addressed

Owen Arthur - file

Bridgetown, Barbados, cmc

BARBADOS' PRIME MINISTER Owen Arthur says there are issues that need to be addressed surrounding the staging of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

This comes after a meeting yesterday between Arthur and former Chairman of Cricket World Cup 2007, Rawle Brancker, who quit the post on Sunday.

"The circumstances surrounding his resignation leave no doubt that there are many deep and troubling issues pertaining to accountability and transparency that have to be addressed to give assurance that the wonderful plans that have been developed for the staging of the World Cup will not be compromised," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said yesterday.

Brancker quit on Sunday following an intensive day of discussions over a report prepared by a three man committee headed by Ambassador Julian Hunte.

Without going into detail, Brancker had said that for several good reasons and mostly in the interest of a successful World Cup, he had thought it best to resign the position.

"The Government is pleased that he had the opportunity to render service as Chairman of the Board of Cricket World Cup 2007 and deeply regrets that the conditions are now such that his service cannot continue to be rendered," the statement from the Prime Minister's Office continued.

"Mr Brancker has had a most distinguished career in cricket and in public service in Barbados and is a Barbadian of the highest integrity who enjoys the respect of the entire society."

WICB president Ken Gordon has taken over as interim chairman of the board of CWC 2007.