Dionne Rose, Parliamentary Reporter

Groundsmen at work on the turf at Sabina Park, Kingston, in this June 2005 file photo. The facility is being renovated for the ICC Cricket World Cup next March. - Ian Allen Staff/Photographer

The 'Sunset legislation' which will seek to make provisions for the efficient and effective staging of Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 is now before the House of Representatives.

But according to a spokesperson in the Clerk's office at Gordon House, a timetable has not yet been set for its debate.

The bill entitled, 'The ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Act,' is being put in place for the holding of Cricket World Cup next March.

The bill contains provisions designed to ensure the efficient and effective staging of the event in Jamaica; securing the safe and orderly conduct of cricket-related activities; the protection of certain intellectual property rights; the protection of broadcasting rights and other commercial rights and remedies for infringement of rights.

Clause Seven of the bill will prohibit persons from undertaking work on land that has been acquired or provided for a CWC 2007 activity, except in cases where persons have been given permits to do so. This work will include road construction or diversion; removal, relocation or planting of trees; installation of services; relocation of parks, buildings or facilities; construction or development of other structures, whether of a permanent or temporary nature, and demolition work or work altering the topography of the land.

Clauses Eight and Nine of the bill speak to giving the commissioner the power to institute measures of control as it relates to the control and regulation of vehicular or pedestrian traffic surrounding the CWC 2007 venue.

If a road is to be closed for a period exceeding three consecutive days, an order must be published in at least one daily newspaper, at least two days before the proposed closure. Clause Nine makes it a criminal offence if anyone enters the road, interferes with any sign or barrier indicating the closure of the road or refuses to leave the road.

The legislation will allow banks and shops to open for business on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Clause 29 will prohibit persons without the written authorisation of the CWC 2007 to sell, offer or display for sale or distribute to members of the public, any goods or services, flyers or pamphlets.

As it relates to the control of advertising, Clause 33 prohibits persons, without permission, from, other than for personal use, broadcasting, telecasting, transmiting, recording, publishing, disseminating, reproducing or circulating by any means, any information relating to CWC 2007 activity or any part of such activity. Persons who contravene this clause commit an offence and are liable, after conviction in a Resident Magistrate's Court, to a fine not exceeding $2 million.

The legislation will expire on June 30, 2007.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com