Cricket World Cup Fuels the Island’s Passion for its National Pastime
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Influenced by its British heritage and Caribbean history, the island of St. Kitts is fast emerging as a haven for a sport which is just beginning to capture attention in the US – Cricket.
In fact, the sport is such an integral part of the island’s culture that a national holiday is declared when there is an important international match held on island.
Perhaps even more dedicated than Americans are to baseball or football, Kittitians are fiercely devoted to their Cricket. So much so that, when it came time for Caribbean nations to bid for the opportunity to host matches for the ICC (International Cricket Council) Cricket World Cup 2007, the smallest independent Caribbean country was eager to secure its place in this historic competition.
This would be the first time the World Cup would be held in the Caribbean as well as the first time that St. Kitts & Nevis would host such a major international event.
In an overwhelming display of national pride, resourcefulness and determination, the enthusiastic government and people of St. Kitts whole-heartedly embraced the challenge of bringing the island’s infrastructure up to the level necessary to host such a large scale, high-profile event.
Their coordinated, concerted efforts encompassed both public and private sector initiatives to encourage and ensure success including the passing of legislation to facilitate new development, particularly of new accommodations ranging from condos and villa developments to small and large hotels.
Another key development undertaken was the construction of a new Warner Park Stadium with world class facilities for media, officials, spectators and players. The spectator capacity of 10,000 with temporary seating for the Cricket World Cup (8000 normally) is more than 20 percent of the island’s population. A grand opening ceremony for the venue was held on May 20, 2006, three days before it hosted its first international match featuring India and the West Indies.
To date it is still the only World Cup Venue in the Caribbean to be completed ahead of schedule.
As a result of their efforts, St. Kitts & Nevis was one of the 8 Caribbean nations selected to host matches in the World Cup competition, making it the smallest nation ever to host Cricket World Cup matches.
ICC Cricket World Cup in March 2007 will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events in the world.
“We see the 2007 Cricket World Cup as a key opportunity for increasing interest and awareness for our destination within the wider Caribbean, as well as showcasing our world-class facilities, hospitality and service,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture Richard “Ricky” O. Skerritt. “Those who come to St. Kitts for a sporting event will also experience a taste of our island’s scenic natural beauty, rich heritage and genuine, friendly people, after which we are convinced that visiting cricket fans and officials will want to tell their family and friends about us and return for longer stays as tourists.”
In addition to having a life-long passion for the sport of cricket, Minister Skerritt was the first full-time West Indies Cricket Team Manager from 2000-2004 prior to his ministerial appointment. Since taking up political office, he has been instrumental in attracting the attention of his former international sporting colleagues to the impressive assets and hospitality of St. Kitts & Nevis as a sports tourism destination.
