Black Immigrant Daily News

(Trinidad Guardian) The Caribbean Premier League of Cricket (CPL) has completed its 10th year and its impact continues to be phenomenal both on and off the field. The ten consecutive years have been amazing. Not even COVID-19 was able to prevent the event, albeit with strict restrictions.

The CPL continues to provide regional cricketers with lucrative pay packages. Additionally, host countries have benefited from the positive effects of direct and indirect sport tourism and the economic activity related to hosting a mega sporting event. Promoted as the biggest party in sport, it brings colour and vibe to cricket. But even greater than that, it is the biggest regional event not only in sport but just the biggest regional event full stop! However, critics, and unbeknownst observers have intentionally or unintentionally at times failed to consider the positive impact of the CPL outside of cricket.

Countries are invited to bid for the right to host matches and assist the franchises. Therefore, the onus is on the respective countries to capitalise on their investments. It is for the countries to make the best of this investment. However, there are countries who have indicated that there is no commercial value from the CPL, as with their robust tourist industry, hosting the CPL has nothing to add.

This, however, is a short-sighted perspective, as the recently concluded CPL showed the attributes of play around sport. It was not just to 12,000 people who filled the Queen’s Park Oval, or the 18,000 who filled the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, or even the 14,000 who filled the National Stadium of Guyana that provided revenue. The full stadia, in fact, provided atmosphere, fervour, and excellent photo opportunities for politicians and those seeking public exposure. The major beneficiaries were those involved in activities around the cricket.

To start with, vendors both in and outside of the stadium, taxi drivers taking people to games or to attractions, restauranteurs, and hoteliers, all had a field day from St Kitts to St Lucia, Trinidad to Guyana. And this was not just from the over 200 persons directly involved in the CPL: teams and officials, organisers and marketing staff of the CPL, television production crews and commentators, etc., but from the hordes of people who travelled for the cricket.

There were not just local patrons but people from Europe, North America and other Caribbean countries who flocked to these venues. Included were franchise owners, some of whom are wealthy businesspeople, Bollywood stars and persons with interest not only in investing in regional cricket, but in the region in general. This was the forum for them to enjoy cricket and enjoy local hospitality while exploring their next business venture or investment.

Guyana grabbed the opportunity to organise a spectacular festive event around its leg of the CPL matches, inclusive of the knockout and final stages. Guyana is a country where optimism abounds amongst its citizens, palpable when talking to persons in all spheres of life. The idea and execution of the cricket festival was sheer brilliance. Not only did they invest in hosting two weeks of cricket, but there was also a grand gala dinner commemorating the 10th year of the CPL, and separate concerts featuring the likes of Beres Hammond, Spice, Machel Montano and chutney soca artists. The nightly food fairs, night markets and commercial activity exceeded the norm.

In fact, for the month of September, there was a 91% increase in visitor arrivals, with over 23,000 persons entering the country. The vast majority were visiting for the cricket and activities around cricket. Not only were all hotel rooms filled, but an organised system whereby persons could stay in local homes was successful. Not only did Georgetown benefit, but excursions into the interior of Guyana provided income to those who transported and those who hosted the hordes of visitors who paid handsomely for these excursions.

The energetic President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, was the mastermind behind Guyana hosting the final leg of the CPL and the cricket carnival. He attended all of the evening matches and sat among the crowd in the stands as opposed to occupying the comfort of the Presidential Suite. He socialised at venues in Georgetown, ensuring that all his citizens and visitors had personal access to him. The way Guyana conducted itself during the two weeks of cricket begs the question now as to what was and is going through the minds of those who shun investment in the CPL.

The four countries that hosted CPL matches this year would have experienced financial benefits from increased arrivals and their related economic activity. With side shows and other events put on privately (even by cricketers), the benefits would have exceeded the norm. Guyana pivoted strategically to capitalise on all the possible benefits of hosting a sporting event. The West Indies missed this opportunity in 2007 when it hosted the ICC World Cup. However, the approach taken by Guyana can serve as a model for all future host countries.

The benefits of such investment are both tangible and intangible. Having spoken to the tangible, nationalism, patriotism, and even feelings of self-importance and self-worth are best brought out by war and sport. We are in a region where we do not believe in the former but have not fully exploited the latter. Which politician would not want to be in the middle of a full stadium where everyone is cheering and having a good time? Not only is there a good vibe, but there is enormous goodwill amongst all involved. There is national exposure for those watching on television or witnessing events on the ground. The influx of a mix of people with diverse backgrounds can only enhance the hosting country. For those players and visitors from overseas, it sells the idea of returning for a prolonged holiday. For those involved in business, it provides an opportunity to introduce them to opportunities on the ground. Whereas only some of the intangible benefits are mentioned, many more remain unidentified.

The opportunities around sport must be seized. The 10th edition of the CPL has provided a template for effective and efficient organisation for future host countries. One hopes that all countries acknowledge the benefits that can be gained. It is not just about money made in sport, but money made around sport.

Dr Akshai Mansingh is Dean, Faculty of Sport, The UWI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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Black Immigrant Daily News

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Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne. – JEFF K MAYERS

MINISTER of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne says the latest travel advisory issued by the US earlier this week does not mean the country’s standing has worsened

Answering questions posed by Naparima MP Rodney Charles at the Standing Finance Committee on a budget item for publicity, promotions and printing, Browne said the $200,000 allocated was not to combat negative perception of the country.

On October 5, the Ministry issued its advisory saying the country was ranked at Level II (exercise increased caution), while Port of Spain ranked at Level IV. The advisory warned Americans not to travel into Port of Spain due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

It explicitly warned Americans not to travel to: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of the Queen’s Park Savannah because of crime.

Responding to Charles on Friday, Browne said: “Madam chair I know what the member is trying to do but this is really not the best line item to achieve that. The country is associated with a Level II advisory. Particular areas in Port of Spain are associated with a Level IV. This is exactly the same two tiers that existed last year.”

Browne asked that Charles not mislead the country into thinking that TT fell by two tiers as a country regarding the safety advisory of the country.

Moving on from that, Browne said the pandemic hindered the formation of the National Reparations Committee. He added that the formation of the committee remains an area of commitment for the government as well as the appointed of a chairperson for the committee.

“As you are aware the Prime Minister and the country has been weighing in on this issue, globally as well. At the micro level, here in TT, we have some work to do in terms of the National Reparations Committee.”

Browne said his ministry will be working on formulating a diaspora policy and there is a draft policy already in place. He added that within six months of the 2022/2023 fiscal year, he expects the policy to be completed.

Browne also hopes to fill several vacancies in his ministry within this fiscal year. He said of the 270 permanent posts, there are 63 still vacant and 33 contract posts to be filled.

Browne’s ministry’s allocation of $257,475,000 was approved by the Standing Finance Committee with no major concerns.

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MAROWIJNE — Omdat het vermoeden bestaat dat er sprake is van mensenhandel, heeft de politie zestien opvarenden aangehouden. Van de

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Black Immigrant Daily News

A strong warning this week by Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, for motorists to desist from attempting to mow down police officers, has rehashed some sordid moments in the past where the island’s law enforcers have been left nursing injuries while on traffic duties.

In fact, some officers have lost their lives to the very act that the commissioner has given notice for motorists to resist the dangerous practice.

In referring to such acts as attempts to “kill” a police officer, Anderson, while addressing a police press conference on Tuesday, used the scenario to hammer home the point about attempts by motorists to resist arrest.

Several videos have gone viral on social media over recent weeks which showed the police and motorists in heated exchanges, some of which became physical.

The commissioner has since put the country on notice that in the face of what he cited as attempts to interfere with the law enforcers’ efforts to bring order to the streets, the cops would not be deterred in conducting their lawful duties.

At that point, he implored motorists to resist the urge to mow down police officers.

“This idea that the police are stopping somebody and you are going to drive your car having (been) stopped, and drive your car away and hit down a police officer; as far as I am concerned, you’re attempting to kill the police officer and he can respond in a manner of stopping himself from being killed,” declared Anderson.

“So, when you’re being stopped, stop!” the commissioner insisted.

“I am not talking about somebody going at speeds and he can’t stop in time. I am talking about the person who is in a discussion with the police officer, the police officer is in front of the car, and they decide to drive and mow them down.

“That is not acceptable and the police officer or the police team that is there have to respond appropriately,” Anderson stated.

Over the years there have been such incidents where motorists have ignored the lawful commands of officers to stop, and have instead opted to mow down the cops on duty.

For example, on January 10, 2022 a police constable was hospitalised with a broken leg after he was mowed down by a motorcyclist in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth.

The incident happened during an operation involving the police and personnel from the Transport Authority (TA) at about 11am near the Horizon Park Housing Scheme in Santa Cruz.

Then head of the St Elizabeth police, Superintendent Dwight Daley, said the cop and the TA personnel were conducting duties when the lawman was hit down by a motorcycle.

The cop was admitted to the hospital for treatment for the broken leg.

At the time, the motorcyclist fled the scene, but a pillion was arrested.

Similarly, on January 23, 2020, a police constable was conducting duties at the intersection of Worthington Avenue and Trafalgar Road in New Kingston at approximately 7:45 am, when a driver who he signalled to stop, sped up and hit him (the cop), who fell to the ground, and the vehicle ran over his leg.

The cop underwent surgery and cops launched a manhunt for the driver of the black Toyota Wish motorcar that was subsequently found in the Mountain View Avenue area in St Andrew.

Six months later, the suspect, said to be a taxi operator, was held in St Elizabeth following his reported involvement in another hit-and-run incident.

Edward Rochester, 43, of Jarrett Lane, Kingston was charged days later with assault occasioning grevious bodily harm and dangerous driving relative to mowing down the lawman.

But not all cops were left nursing serious injuries during such incidents. At least two have lost their lives while on active duty over recent years.

File photo of a physical engagement between a policeman and a public passenger vehicle (PPV) operator on a public thoroughfare.

In Westmoreland, 21-year-old Police Constable Curtis Lewis died from injuries he sustained after being mowed down while on duty in the parish in July of 2015.

It was reported that Lewis and a colleague were on Bowens Road in Sheffield, Westmoreland, when they signalled a motorcyclist to stop. The motorcyclist disobeyed, mowing down the officer, whose leg was severed due to the impact, and it fell some distance away.

The motorcycle eventually crashed into an embankment, and both the driver and the pillion fled the scene.

However, the police later searched the area and found the motorcyclist, Roneil Murray, who was slapped with a charge of manslaughter.

Additionally, he was charged with having no insurance for the motorcycle, no fitness, wearing no helmet, having no rear view mirror, no registration plate, operating an unlicenced moto bike; operating contrary to the terms of his driver’s licence; failing to stop at an accident, and conveying a pillion.

The status of that case is now unknown.

A year later, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was again in mourning, as another policeman died after being hit by a motor vehicle on the nation’s road.

Inspector Mark Gibbs, who was a sub-officer in charge of the Clarke’s Town Police Station in Trelawny, was conducting traffic duties along the Clarke’s Town main road when tragedy struck on August 19, 2016.

Gibbs had reportedly signalled the driver of a motorcar to stop, but the driver disobeyed and mowed down the inspector on the side of the roadway before speeding away. Gibbs later succumbed to his injuries.

In reacting to Gibbs’ death at the time, Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for the police to use all their investigative powers to bring the person responsible to justice.

Holness also encouraged the members of the JCF, especially those assigned to the Traffic Division, to remain resolute in the pursuit of their duties.

He said at the time that the loss of any life, particularly that of a police officer carrying out his duty, is not only sad for the JCF, but also for the citizens who depend on them to serve and protect the nation.

A day after that directive, Andre Brown, the driver of the car that hit down Gibbs, turned himself over to the police. He was subsequently charged with manslaughter, failing to stop at an accident, and failing to report an accident.

Gibbs’s death came a week after Police Constable Mark Rose died from injuries he sustained when he was the victim of a hit-and-run driver as he attempted to cross a roadway in Spanish Town St Catherine.

Rose, who was then assigned to the now disbanded Mobile Reserve Division of the JCF, was not on duty at the time he was hit.

The lawman was mowed down by a speeding burgundy van while crossing the road along Job Lane. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 10:30 am on Friday, August 12, 2016.

It is not clear if anyone was charged relative to that incident, as Rose succumbed to his injuries at the Spanish Town Hospital.

Police at the time theorised that the incident was deliberate, media reports said.

A year later, a police officer escaped serious injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle while on duty along the North South Highway. That incident occurred in April 2017.

Loop News reported at the time that the constable was conducting spot checks along the highway in the vicinity of the Linstead exit ramp, when he was hit by a car.

He reportedly suffered injuries to his head, face, arm and neck, and was rushed to the Linstead Hospital, where he was treated and released.

It is not clear if the driver who injured the cop was ever arrested and charged.

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