The Lower House approves Sunset Laws to Facilitate Cricket World Cup

Anticipation builds as the ICC Cricket World Cup approaches, set to take place in the Caribbean from June 1 to 30.

In preparation for this highly anticipated event, the lower House of Parliament convened on Friday to pass the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill 2024, Sunset legislation aimed at ensuring the efficient and effective staging of the event in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Bill was introduced by the Sports Minister and Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural South Daryll Matthew.

The bill received unanimous support from the House.

In keeping with the legislation, the Coolidge Cricket Grounds and the Antigua Recreation Grounds will serve as practice venues for the competing teams, while the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will host the matches.

To guarantee that the cricket venues meet the high standards expected for such a prestigious event, the government has made a substantial cash injection into two of the venues. Sports minister Daryll Matthew has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the event are executed flawlessly.

“When we host these international events, the venue is prepared by the government and turned over to the Internation bodies for a particular time.”

“We have spent in excess of two million dollars bringing the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket ground and the Antigua Recreation ground to the standards that it required for World Cup Matches,” Matthew told the Lower House.

He also spoke of the financial benefits to be derived from hosting World Cup matches here.

“For the cricket Work Cup so far, I can confirm that between seven and eight thousand room nights have already been booked and paid for. That’s just for accommodation for teams and support staff, that has nothing to do with the fans.”

“When you consider venders, security personnel, transportation and catering, the multiplying effect of cricket in Antigua and Barbuda has been phenomenal,” the sports minister added.

He further stated, “I can also confirm that over the past six years, cricket has contributed to this economy in excess of $150 million.”

The government has passed two bills related to the Cricket World Cup in Antigua and Barbuda. The first bill, known as the Cricket World Cup Bill, is a temporary legislation that will only be effective until June 30.

Its purpose is to facilitate the smooth running of the Cricket World Cup tournament. The second bill, known as the Visiting Police Forces ICC Cricket World Cup 2024 Bill, also has an expiration date of June 30.

It aims to provide a legal framework that will enable police officers from countries taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2024 to operate within Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, these provisions are necessary to ensure the safety of the event and address any potential cross-border security concerns.

With these laws in place, everyone can look forward to a successful and safe Cricket World Cup tournament.