World Cup Cricket In The West Indies ....Grand Opening Ceremony ....AS SEEN THROUGH MY EYES story: Jillieon Davids e-mail: jillieond@yahoo.com

The privilege was ours in the Caribbean to be a part of History, as we hosted the 9th World Cup Cricket Tournament. The first of its kind in this part of the world.

Jamaica, Land we so love, was chosen to host the Grand Opening Ceremony.

It became extremely personal for me as the Opening Ceremony was to take place in Trelawny, the Parish of my birth, and ten minutes drive from Martha Brae my home District. The actual site was Florence Hall; this can be located on the main road to Daniel Town, a few miles east of Falmouth, the Parish Capital.

Jamaicans on a whole and Trelawnians in particular were all excited and made great preparation to host this historic event. An all-new state of the art high tech. Stadium was built dubbed "Greenfield", meaning a field that has never been used. This stadium can accommodate 25,000 spectators. A magnificent and imposing structure, one we are all so very proud of The Trelawny Multipurpose Centre.

We anticipated the date for the opening ceremony, March 11, 2007.

On Saturday, March 10, Trelawny/Falmouth was ready. Falmouth our parish capital was transformed into a "Street Market" like atmosphere, which was called "Brand Trelawny". Stalls were set up all over the streets, showcasing our many cultural items and special types of Jamaican Food. Motorists had to park on the outskirts of town and walk in to view the displays and partake of the sumptuous food.

(Photos: Paul Earle)

A grand concert was held on Saturday night in Water Square, Falmouth a large stage was erected with huge screens. Many local and foreign Artistes performed. Approximately 35,000 - 40,000 fans packed the square; we had an enjoyable time.

(Photos: Paul Earle)

The dawn of the day we long awaited came, March 11, Opening Ceremony Day. Security at the venue was at its highest level; there was also a whole host of volunteers mainly from Sam Sharpe Teachers' College in St. James.

The gates officially opened at 2:00 p.m. opening Ceremony set to begin at 5:15 p.m. We were so excited, my sister, Ingie, cousin-in-law, Donovan and I drove through the gates at 2:05 p.m. after pay JA$500.00 for parking. It took us approximately 25 minutes to get to our parking spot. A fellow motorist, visiting from Miami, was in such haste to park, reversed without looking behind hit our vehicle. On highlighting from our vehicle, I saw no visible sign of damage, so I told him "in the spirit for which we have all come, it's okay" he thanked me and went on his way.

We joined the long queue to enter through the inner gates. We had security checks similar to that at our airports. We then inserted our entrance tickets into a slot, which scanned the bar code for its authenticity.

We were through the gates without any problems. We stood and watched as people from all over the world came in their numbers, folks were just meeting and greeting, taking pictures, purchasing souvenirs, everyone was so excited.

We located our seats, I sat in Block 113, Row T, Seat 8, an excellent seat in the house it was indeed. I took several pictures of the stadium; an eye-catcher was the seats in the stadium were decked out in the colour of our National Flag, a beauty to behold.

The Ceremony started promptly at 5:15 pm with the Military Band showcased their best performance - The Massed bands and Corps of Drums of the Jamaica Defence Force

(Photos: Paul Earle)

Then the arrival and introduction of the Cricket Officials.

One of our local Artistes, Sanchez by name, sang our National Anthem. I stood at attention with all the solemnity and pride and joy I felt within and without. I believe the entire stadium occupants would share the same view. At the singing of the second verse "teach us true respect for all", I literally felt teary eyed. I was truly moved, the moment in time was really happening.

There were remarks from the Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Keith Mitchell. Our Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Portia Simpson -Miller welcomed everyone to the grand occasion.

The live entertainment, which followed by both local and foreign Artistes, was well received and appreciated by all the spectators. It was so electrifying, and spontaneous folks were on their feet, so dancing cheering, waving various coloured scarves (which were handed out to everyone), I beheld a sea of colours just waving in the cool afternoon Caribbean breeze; notably a picture of beauty and much festivity.

There was the introduction of the International Cricketing Council (ICC) World Cup 2007 mascot "Mello".

The sixteen (16) teams participating in the tournament were on parade; we all cheered them on as they went by.

There were remarks from the West Indies Cricket Board President, Mr. Kenneth Gordon and the International Cricketing Council President, Mr. Percy Sonn.

Brain Charles Lara, Captain of the West Indies Team, did the Players' Declaration.

Mr. Steve Bucknor, a Jamaican and one of the Umpires did the Officials' declaration

Sir Garfield Sobers, a Barbadian, and Cricketing Legend, officially declared The Tournament Open.

Mr. Stilt Walkers and Tony Cozier, Barbadians, paid tribute to the Cricketing legends.

The parade of the various costumed groups was so spectacular; the colours were so beautiful to behold, it felt as though my optic nerve was working over time trying to capture and process all the sights. Costumed groups were appearing from all corners of the field; one such is still etched in my mind's eye was various groups of ladies all dressed in white with white umbrellas entering the field from all corners, it almost appeared heavenly.

(Photos: Paul Earle)

There was more live entertainment which captivated the crowd, and had them once again dancing, waving and have a grand time.

Then came the grand finale - the costumed groups parading and the crowning act of the entertainment, the "Fireworks" awesome ………….

I am an extremely proud Jamaican, who can stand tall and say I was there and beheld the beauty and splendor of the Grand Opening Ceremony of World Cup Cricket 2007. The pride and joy I felt for my country, will forever live on in my memory.

link: >>> HOMECOMING PHOTOS

--by: Ms Jillieon Davids
April 2007