Caribbean public to be informed of the benefits of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

Mr Griffith addressing a gathering in Charlestown,
Nevis that included the Deputy Governor General for
Nevis, Mr Eustace John, and Premier, Mr Vance Amory,
during the opening of the Nevis Sports Museum

Mr Griffith (centre) applauds as Mr Elquemedo Willett
holds aloft the award that was presented to him by the
Junior Minister for Sports in the Nevis Island
Administration, Mr Laughton Brandy (left)

Thursday, March 3, 2005

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Mr Teddy Griffith, has said that they are generally on target with the preparation schedule for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, which is only two years away, but there was the need to inform the people of the Caribbean as to what is expected of them in the months ahead and during the event.

He revealed that the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies is expected to generate in excess of US$500 million in overall economic activity and his board would work towards sensitising the people of the Caribbean of the potential benefits and opportunities arising out of the stellar event in which they can share.

“I cannot stress this point enough for it is on that basis that the relationship between the tournament and the West Indian public must be forged,” commented Mr Griffith on Tuesday evening in Charlestown Nevis.

He was at that time delivering the feature address at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Nevis Island Administration to open the Nevis Sports Museum and the induction of Mr Elquemedo Willett, the first Leeward Islands cricketer to play for the West Indies, into the Hall of Fame.

The President also observed that the time had come for the WICB to increase the pace of their activity both in the area of the development of the physical plant and infrastructure to host the event.

“The staging of the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies in 2007 does, however, present the governments and the people of the Caribbean with an opportunity to showcase our islands to almost half of the world’s population and to offer more than an anticipated 100,000 visitors a taste of West Indian hospitality at its best,” noted Mr Griffith.

He pointed out that the large influx of visitors combined with the movement of local fans during the fifty-one day period of the event would tax the region’s accommodation facilities to the fullest saying, “it is in this area that we foresee the opportunity for substantial benefit to and participation by small, micro and individual businesses in the economic activity of the World Cup.”

He told Nevisians that even though their island would not be hosting any matches, they should not look at it as an impediment to their being involved in the event or benefiting from it, as Australia, the defending champions from the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, would be based in St. Kitts for their preliminary matches.

“I have no doubt that with this island (Nevis) a short hop away, by air or sea, from St. Kitts, opportunities will abound for Nevisians willing to open their homes for bed and breakfasts or simply as lodging for the visitors who will follow the team,” advised the President. “Our statistics indicate that the average international visitor spends up to US$200 per day when one takes into account accommodation, meals and drinks, travel, entertainment and other items.”

Mr Griffith thanked the Nevis Island Administration and in particular the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Laughton Brandy, for having invited him to participate in the opening of the Nevis Sports Museum that was being established to perpetuate and honour the contributions made to Nevis by sportsmen, sportswomen and administrators of sports from all disciplines.

“That you have chosen me, as President of the West Indies Cricket Board, to address you on this occasion demonstrates clearly the importance that you attach to our great game and its place in the hearts of our people,” said Mr Griffith. He added that such ceremonies not only present an important opportunity “for us to pay tribute to our sporting heroes but they also serve a greater purpose in that they establish a standard and goal for others to emulate.”

He praised the Nevis Island Administration for its foresight in opening the Sports Museum in tribute to those who have made significant contribution to sport in Nevis and the Caribbean. He ended by saying: “In particular, on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board, I extend our congratulations to Mr Elquemedo Willett on being selected as the first inductee into the Nevis Sports Museum.”

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