Barbados invests $13 million more for WC

Barbados is being redeveloped at a cost of $67.5 million and will be completed by the end of January 2007.

The Barbados government will invest another $13 million (euro10 million) toward the island's preparations for the cricket World Cup starting in March.

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The money will be used to beautify Kensington Oval, venue for the April 28, 2007 final, plus for security, health and transport services, said deputy prime minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday. The beautification project will cost $1.1 million (euro830, 000), and $605,000 (euro454, 000) will go toward vending facilities, bathrooms and a service access road.

The oldest cricket ground in the Caribbean is being redeveloped at a cost of $67.5 million (euro51 million) and will be completed by the end of January 2007.

For security, Mottley said $605,000 (euro454, 000) was to purchase helicopter airtime and equipment for the Special Services Unit, and $554,000 (euro416,000) to buy a surveillance system for various ports of entry.

Barbados was pitching in $3.2 million (euro2.4 million) to cover its security commitments under a $20.8 million (euro16 million) arrangement with other Caribbean host nations.

"The rest of the funds will be allocated toward other special project including the transportation master plan, health facilities and other areas which will be required under the host nation agreement," Mottley said.