The Hindu : Sport : `Defining moment' in Caribbean history

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Tuesday, Mar 13, 2007
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`Defining moment' in Caribbean history

Special Correspondent

Opening ceremony a seamless exhibition of colour, music and movement

Trelawny: Fireworks that lit up the Trelawny night sky climaxed the three-hour-long, tastefully-choreographed opening ceremony of the 2007 World Cup on Sunday evening. Sir Garfield Sobers, the great West Indian all-rounder, had earlier declared the World Cup open to resounding cheers.

Starting on the dot, remarkably, at 5.15 p.m., the ceremony never once slacked in pace. A group of volunteers helped with managing a gargantuan stage, rolling in and rolling out performers. It started with the band members of the Jamaica Defence Force marching in their smart red uniforms, the brass of their instruments gleaming in the sun.

Crisp introduction

The introductory remarks were crisp. Chris Dehring, Managing Director and CEO, ICC Cricket World Cup 2006, said, "In 47 days' time, the world will see why one place called the West Indies (is) credited with staging the best Cricket World Cup ever." Dehring also exhorted his fellow West Indians with the words, "The moment is here, the moment is now." Kenneth Gordon, President, West Indies Cricket Board, said, simply, "Welcome to what many thought was Mission Impossible". He called it a "defining moment" in Caribbean history.

Percy Sonn, President, International Cricket Council, touched on how any of the Test-playing nations had a shot at the World Cup. Commending the West Indies for its "steely resolve" in hosting the quadrennial showpiece, Sonn said the "teamwork, professionalism, and strong work ethic shown showed that here in the West Indies are men and women made of strong stuff".

— Photos: AP

IT'S ON: Sir Garfield Sobers (left) inaugurates the ICC World Cup at Trelawny Stadium in Jamaica on Sunday. A fireworks display lights up the night sky at the ceremony. Host West Indies takes on Pakistan in the Cup opener on Tuesday.

The show was a seamless exhibition of colour, music, and movement. Stars of reggae, calypso, dancehall, soul, and hip-hop performed popular pieces, often ad-libbing. Giant arc lights swept the night sky like mini lighthouses. When Brian Lara read out the Players' Declaration, "Cricket World Cup 2007" was emblazoned in fireworks in the backdrop. Umpire Steve Bucknor then read out the Officials' Declaration.

Parade of teams

The Official Song was performed as the teams lined up. The parade of the teams was a collage of colour. Team India looked dapper in navy blue; the Netherlands wore orange blazers; by far the most outlandish was Bermuda, whose members matched blazers with red shorts. The mascot Mello — half mongoose half Meer cat suggested one volunteer — had earlier showed its version of the cross batted hoik.

— Photo: AFP

FALLING IN LINE: The Indian cricket team, led by captain Rahul Dravid, at the march past during the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup on Sunday.

Spectacular costumes reminiscent of Carnival then made their way out onto the ground. The show ended with I-Threes and Dean Fraser jamming with Bob Marley electronically, and Jimmy Cliff saying goodbye.

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