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No, Desmond McKenzie is not a cricket player or an umpire or even an official. He is the mayor of Kingston. I do not know whether he likes cricket or not but it seems that he is becoming an obstacle for the smooth hosting of World Cup Cricket 2007. Desmond McKenzie is keen that his city gets some benefit from the hosting of World Cup Cricket. He is now threatening to stop giving any concession about the hosting of World Cup Cricket 2007 in his city.

Radio Jamaica reported:

The dispute reportedly involves the local organisers of the international tournament and the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

The Corporation announced Wednesday that it will not grant any further concession for fees associated with CWC events.

Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, is accusing CWC organisers of failing to pay fees owed to the KSAC despite being given huge concessions.

“We have given up a significant amount of revenue to facilitate the construction and the advertising. There were certain fees that were associated with the staging of the games and as it relates to the whole vending situation we are having difficulty in having them pay the rest of the fees,” said the mayor.

“I have instructed the Town Clerk to write the Chairman of the local organizing body raising our concerns and I am insisting that the fees must be paid,”

As a sign of protest he says all outstanding fees associated with Cricket World Cup will now have to be paid at regular rates.

I understand the feeling of Desmond McKenzie. He is trying to look after the best interest of Kingston. There is nothing wrong with it. However, what is absolutely disgraceful is that just before 12 days of the beginning of World cup, his office is now creating problems. He should have set the rules earlier and should have created the obstacles that time instead of now.