The Caribbean is a wonderful place to live, work, and play cricket. Ironically, the West Indies region is only bonded by cricket, not by economic or sovereignty, although most countries vie as hosts as the economy is boosted from overseas visitors. Tourism is big business in the Caribbean and cricket plays a central role in its welfare. The impact of Covid and the pandemic has hurt the Caribbean economy for everyone, but Governments want to make the most of tourists.
The welcome to visitors and players is tremendous. Barbados’s status in global cricket is very special. After all, we produced some of the greatest cricketers in the world and we are proud of it. Think about it-they include several Knights of the Realm like the great 3W’s Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes, the doughy opener Sir Conrad Hunte, the fearsome attack of Sir Wesley Hall and Sir Charles ‘Charlie’ Griffith, the graceful batting of Sir Gordon Greenidge, and arguably the best cricketer in the world-Sir Garfield Sobers.
Sir Garry was the complete cricketer with both bat and ball and an outstanding fielder and captain. West Indies has produced talented captains of the ilk of Sir Frank Worrell, Clive Lloyd, Richie Richardson and the enigmatic Sir Vivian Richards.
Of course, West Indies cricket is only a shadow from the halcyon years when calypso cricket ruled the world. In the good old years overseas teams wanted to win on Caribbean soil, the real test of their prowess and ability was to win overseas here. Few succeeded, as West Indies ruled supreme for many years. Nowadays, we don’t have this supremacy and there are many theories expounded.
We acknowledge the greatness of former players. However many local enthusiasts feel they can reach that level with the ‘white ball’ at T20 and ODI. It seems Test cricket is beyond the reach of the modern West Indian cricketer, which is surprising with such a bevy of young talent like Nicolas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Bradley King, Jason Holder et al. We have some brilliant players throughout the region.
The highlight for Barbados will be West Indies against England in five T20 series in January and the Test match at Kensington Oval starting 16 March. Prior to the 2007 World Cup Kensington Oval was extensively renovated, and it is generally accepted that it is the best venue in the region. Barbados welcomes the Barmy Army and their supporters, who will not only enhance our economy, but will boost the England camp after such a horrid time at the Ashes in Australia.
Many British people are ex-pats and others are currently enjoying work from home taking advantage of the ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp,’ which allows overseas workers to stay 12 months. Some have already extended the 12 months!
Not a bad place to be domiciled!
We must not forget cricket tours!
Over the years hundreds of UK clubs and schools have enjoyed some unforgettable holidays visiting grounds all over the island. Kensington Oval and the 3Ws at the University are perhaps the best-known venues, but throughout the country there are some terrific grounds that have welcomed visitors for many years.
Don’t limit your hotel experience to cricket, sand sea and sunshine as Barbados has some terrific restaurants, shops, activities, fish charters, cruises et al.
Match tickets can only be obtained online from the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board)-www.windiescricket.com
Protocol has to be observed prior to arrival throughout Barbados and finally on Departure. We live in strange times, but Covid-19 will be defeated. Follow the protocols and stay safe.
Barbados welcomes all players and visitors!
Enjoy!
