GEORGETOWN (CMC):

Local Organising Com-mittee and sports officials here have remained upbeat following the country's hosting of its first-ever Cricket World Cup match Wednesday.

South Africa and Sri Lanka opened Guyana's chapter of the tournament with a thrilling match at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

"There have been so many positive comments which underline that all the work has paid off," Karan Singh, the LOC's chief executive, said. "It's the first match in a brand new stadium so naturally there have been some hitches but we can live with those for today (Wednesday). We know we can have them resolved and do even better in the matches to come."

Guyana had its share of problems in the build-up to the hosting of its commitments, facing power issues, lack of internet connectivity and a host of logistical problems.

Proud of stadium

President Bharrat Jagdeo said he was pleased with what the country had achieved, noting he was especially proud of the new stadium.

"I'm very pleased that everything has gone well so far. When we started it was just cane fields here at this location and all along we've had to prove that we would be ready. There have been many doubters," Jagdeo said. "So it's with a profound sense of satisfaction that I'm here today because it was not just the stadium, we've had the challenge of accommodation and making sure that Guyana could provide enough for the various persons who would be coming here."

Frank Anthony, minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, described Guyana's hosting of Super Eight matches as an opportunity to demonstrate "our ability and hospitality across the globe. This is a good experience. This is what we want the world to know us by the fact that we can host world-class events."