In true "Trini" fashion, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is in a tight race to be ready for opening day of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup, tomorrow.
The major worries are the lighting and other technical infrastructure that must be in place for television broadcasts. FIFA head of women's football, Tatjanna Haenni yesterday described the situation as "a bit short", indicating that another delay could make it difficult to complete opening day requirements.
"Certain things are a bit last minute in this country, which we accept," Haenni said, at the tournament's opening press conference, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
Haenni explained that penalties for failure to complete works at the venues were not being considered now, as she felt "fully convinced everything [will be] in place".
Some of the other concerns for the event at this time include IT-related equipment, mixed zones (designated areas for media interviews) and player facilities at training and match venues.
LOC deputy CEO Nataki Kerr told the media that some adjustments had been made to teams' training schedules to ensure the visitors are "comfortable".
"I think they are very satisfied with what they have seen so far," Kerr said.
She added that the LOC had "turned night into day" in a "mad rush to the finish line" to ensure the vital components to pull off the World Cup are in place for tomorrow.
Slow ticket sales have also been a focus of the LOC, but, according to Kerr, sales are starting to pick up.
Kerr said the LOC's marketing effort was geared towards striking a "balance" between corporate clients and the general public. She admitted they could have been "a bit more aggressive". Still, she is encouraged by the "amazing responses" they have had of late.
"I remain positive. I expect to see thousands of people in our stadiums."
As in the 2001 Under-17 World Cup, which this country hosted, students will benefit from the generosity of corporate Trinidad and Tobago.
Some companies have bought tickets for schools they already support, while others have left the donation of those tickets to the discretion of the T&T Football Federation (T&TFF).