Organizers, security, and government officials attending a technical expert meeting have assured the public that safety and security measures are being meticulously planned ahead of the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled to take place next month in the Caribbean and the United States.
The assurances were provided by K.J. Singh, head of operations for the World Cup, and Earl Harris, assistant director for corporate services of the CARICOM security agency, IMPACS, during the four-day meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Singh emphasized that Cricket West Indies, the lead international host board, is committed to enhancing the sport through stringent safety and security protocols, as well as anti-corruption and drug-free initiatives. “Strengthening the game and ensuring its integrity and safety is paramount, first and foremost, before we even put players, spectators, match officials, and media on the field,” Singh said. He welcomed the collaborative efforts at the technical expert meeting aimed at supporting security planning for the global event, set to take place from June 1 to 29.
The meeting, held under the theme “Enhancing Security Coordination for Major Sporting Events in the Caribbean,” aims to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices among the Caribbean territories hosting World Cup matches.
Collective efforts to ensure the safety and security
Harris highlighted the crucial nature of collective efforts to ensure the safety and security of participants and spectators in today’s interconnected world. “Cricket is much more than a sport for us in the Caribbean. It is a way of life. Cricket transcends mere sport for us; it serves as a significant vehicle for regional unity, resilience, and empowerment,” Harris stated. He underscored the importance of vigilance against potential threats that could disrupt the event and pose risks to safety, emphasizing the need to safeguard the tournament’s integrity and preserve lives and livelihoods.
The meeting is hosted by the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organisation of American States (OAS-CICTE), in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security), with funding from the government of Canada.
Lilian Chatterjee, High Commissioner for Canada in Barbados, noted that while major sporting events offer opportunities for economic growth, social cohesion, and inter-cultural understanding, they also present inherent risks. “Ensuring security for all seven World Cup co-hosting OAS member states requires effective cooperation and integrated policies among co-hosting countries,” Chatterjee said. She pointed out that the World Cup offers a chance for host territories to review and enhance their safety and security policies, benefiting from cooperation networks at national, regional, and international levels.
Chatterjee emphasized the importance of coordinated security efforts to protect against threats, stating, “This is why Canada is here… to support the combined efforts of the OAS-CICTE, the UNICRI, and CARICOM IMPACS to enhance regional preparedness and resilience practices for the protection of crowded spaces and vulnerable targets.” She reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of organizers, players, and fans is a top priority.
