Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority celebrates Cricket, Culture and Knights

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was a great evening of celebration of cricket, culture and knights hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) on Friday, May 10^th, 2024.

There was a great turnout of: Black, African and Caribbean supporters to see well-known West Indian cricketers at the Galaxy Grand Convention located in Brampton. The ABTA has been active in promoting all aspects of the twin-island. It plays an essential role in the marketing of the twin island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda and is responsible for the marketing and promotion of the destination, as well as the advancement and development of air and sea lift to discover the tourism industry of Antigua and Barbuda.

The event was promoted as an evening that would feature four of the greatest and legendary cricketers who have left an indelible and incredible mark on the world of international cricket. The showcase of Antigua and Barbuda as an exciting and enriching tourist destination attracted not just the Black community, but the Canadian one, which is fond of the international sport of cricket.

They were here in Canada to promote the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket tournament that will be occurring in Antigua as well as other Caribbean islands. It will be the first time that Canada will be participating so it was great that these cricketing giants and legends were able to offer advice to the team.

I spoke with the evening’s MC Amaya Athill – Antiguan – lawyer and golf professional before the event started as the throngs of people gathered in the convention and awaited the arrival of the cricketers. As an Antiguan she was excited to participate as MC and to field questions to the cricketers. She told me, “It is a beautiful evening to celebrate Antiguan cricket and culture with the Antiguan Canadian community. I am grateful for the Antiguan community for coming out to show their support to this event.”

The evening featured the musical group known as the Spirited Band, which performed a variety of genres of music ranging from Soca to R & B as well as Rock n’ Roll. Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Ritche Richardson performed several exciting and energetic pieces with the band that got the largely South Asians and Caribbean groups dancing along.

The highlight of the evening was the presence of four of the greatest West Indian cricketers including:

Sir Vivian Richards: He spoke about some of his early influences growing up in Antigua and the impact and impression that Sir Andy Roberts left on him. He shared personal memories of pivotal moments in his illustrious and extraordinary career.

Sir Andy Roberts: He was the first Antiguan to represent West Indies cricket team He was by background a fisherman who was captivated by the power of cricket.

Sir Curtly Ambrose: He shared memories of what it was like to follow the path of his exemplary fellow Antiguan cricketers. He mentioned that it was good news that after they lost many of their top cricketers, the West Indies was still able to remain dominant over England and Australia.

Sir Richie Richardson: He talked about the pink sand beach in Antigua. He talked about the influence of his two Spanish teachers who taught him to play the guitar in his high school music class. He told Curtly to perform together before he retired so that they could play together. He played for a number of years in the UK and all over the world.

In an email communication from Nicola Blazier on Monday, May 12^th, 2024, she describes the tour that these cricketers had in the GTA from May 8^th to May 12^th. On Thursday, May 8^th, 2024, they interacted with students, teachers and young cricket enthusiasts at Dallington Public School, as well as Woodbine and Don Valley JMS in North York. In addition, they made an appearance on Breakfast Television, and were feted at a luncheon on Saturday at Albany Club.

Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for the ABTA states, “There is no better time to come visit us in Antigua and Barbuda. There is so much happening with cricket matches all summer long, romance month in June, and Antigua Carnival in early August. On top of that Canadians can get to Antigua and Barbuda so easily and with Western adding a mid-week Wednesday flight in June in addition to its standard Sunday flight.”

Sir. Vivian Richard states, “Canada’s qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a monumental achievement for the country, and spells well for the future of cricket in Canada.”

Sir Curtly Ambrose notes, “In Antigua and Barbuda, cricket is huge, and we have produced a number of great international players. We are thrilled to see more and more Canadians embracing the game as we have.”