Emancipation Cricket Workers Still Awaiting Payments

Just under a month after the hosting of the Emancipation Cricket Tournament organized by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, several persons who worked with the committee are voicing frustration over not receiving their payments.

Scores, umpires, coaches, and volunteers are among those claiming they have yet to be compensated for their services. Many told ANN that they have been depending on the money to prepare for the reopening of schools on Monday.

Their frustration has been heightened by the fact that the tournament carried a reported cost of $750,000, yet those who worked to make the event possible are still waiting to be paid.

According to those affected, every time they visit the office to inquire about their payments, they are told to return in a few days or the following week. With school expenses looming, several of the individuals—many of whom are unemployed—say the delay has placed them in a difficult position as they struggle to secure supplies for their children.

The Emancipation Cricket Festival, which ran from July 31 to August 3 as part of Emancipation Month celebrations under the theme “Embracing Our Past; Forging into the Future,” featured four teams—Kingstown Kings, Windward Warriors, Leeward Lions, and Grenadines Whalers—with the Grenadines Whalers lifting the inaugural title. The event also paid tribute to the 1975 West Indies World Cup legends, who were honored during the finals at Arnos Vale.