The International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup trophy arrived here on Wednesday May 15 and was expected to make its way across the country today, May 17.
It arrived here from Barbados and was handed over to Michael Findlay by Phillip Spooner, the 2024 T20 World Cup’s global media operations manager.
As part of the tour, the trophy will travel throughout the various communities across the country, from North Windward to North Leeward and Bequia during the two-day tour which started today May 16.
Carlos James, Tourism Minister and Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward described the event as an opportunity that was once of a lifetime.
James, speaking at a brief ceremony at the Argyle International Airport said that the trophy will be placed on the square at Troumaca, home to a number of Vincentian cricketing legends including former West Indies wicket keeper Michael Findlay, international cricketer Wilfred Slack and the place where former West Indies fast bowler, Ian Allen was educated.
“We have a rich legacy of cricket in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but undoubtedly we have a rich legacy of cricket in Troumaca and in North Leeward,” James said.
According to James, the experience of having the trophy on the island and World Cup matches scheduled here was expected to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Dr Kishore Shallow, President of the West Indies Cricket Board chimed in that for the first time, 20 teams was participating in this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
“And that is something historic in itself,” he said.
“We have echoed about the benefits, unlocking revenues, we are talking about thousands of jobs being created for this period,” Shallow continued.
But most of all, it was the opportunity of the economic benefit to the country and region WICB’s President said.
According to Shallow, the previous T20 World Cup held in Australia generated more than US$300 million in revenue.
“Now as I just said, this is the biggest World Cup ever, so certainly there is going to be more revenue spent. I am anticipating and projecting over US$400 million being spent across the USA and the Caribbean,” he said.
And with that were great expectations for the entire region Shallow continued.
He said that he was pleased with the progress of all the major developments throughout the region and that everything would be ready in time for the first match on June 2 scheduled to be played in Guyana.
“We have to enjoy the opportunity and make full use of it because a World Cup comes around every 15 to 20 years,” he said.
Some EC$38 million has been spent on developing the Arnos Vales playing field, and other facilities including Arnos Vale 1, Sion Hill, and the Cumberland playing field.
And according to Montgomery Daniel, Prime Minister (Ag) when the application for hosting the T20 World Cup came to Cabinet, it was accepted very easily.
There were some concerns about the cost, however, he said that the Cabinet recognized the benefits and the value that would be added to the country with the presence of T20 World Cup cricket here.
“The Cabinet recognized that there will be a rich history, a rich legacy coming out of this activity. For not only would there have been tremendous improvements in the facilities across the country, but also in exposing our youngsters to the sport of cricket,” Daniel said.
The ICC World Cup trophy tour continues when it travels to Trinidad and Tobago.