Kingston, Jamaica, April 15, 2005 - The first round of the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament (Norceca Pool A) starts on Friday night at the National Arena with the opening ceremony, starting at 4:30pm (9.30pm GMT).

In the first game at 6pm, British Virgin Islands (BVI) go up against the Netherlands Antilles, while in the main event at 8pm, favourites Jamaica jump into action against the Cayman Islands.

Jamaican coach Ortnel Findlay told the Observer they are not underestimating the Cayman Islands, but he feels his side have the experience to dispatch their opponents in this opening encounter.

"We played against some of the (Cayman) girls in the Venus tournament so we have an idea of what to expect from them," Findlay said.

According to Findlay, the team has been preparing well over the past few months and wants to relish the occasion now that it is here.

"They have been preparing for months now, so they are looking forward to this evening. They are going out there to play serious Volleyball and when they play serious Volleyball and commit themselves to everything, they do great things and they are going to do great things," he added.

The BVI aggregation arrived Thursday morning, while the other teams were expected to arrive on the island on Thursday night.

Guest speakers for the opening ceremony will be minister of sports Mr. Portia Simpson Miller and the president of NORCECA Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz.