GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – With the bitter memories of Cricket World Cup 2007 still fresh, organisers of next year’s World Twenty20 Championship are moving to ensure security protocols do not hamper the Caribbean spirit in the tournament.

CWC 2007 was dogged by complaints the strict security procedures helped to squelch the passion usually exhibited in Caribbean cricket.

Regional security manager Trevor Paul said, however, that spectators would be allowed to express themselves despite the safety arrangements being devised.

“Security arrangements will show an understanding of Caribbean culture, and security measures will be balanced against that fact,” said Paul, following the second meeting of the tournament security directorate in St Kitts recently.

“We’re trying to find a policy that reflects reasonable discretion as to what fans can and cannot bring into the venues. With respect to the consumption of alcohol within the stadium, there is a liquor policy and glass containers will not be allowed.”

Paul said safety and security planning was already well under way for the April 30-May 16 event which will be staged in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia.

The former Trinidad & Tobago Commissioner of Police said the respective host venues were continuing to formulate their security plan and noted the meeting had served to review their work.

“At the same time, each host country is working on its venue-specific safety and security plan which includes a number of elements, including an operational plan, a disaster management plan and an event contingency plan,” Paul pointed out.

“We received updates from the host countries and we’re looking forward to significant progress between now and our next meeting.”

The security meeting was attended by senior lawmen from the host countries as well as security agencies such as CARICOM IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security), the Regional Security System and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.