Cricket in St.Vincent and the Grenadines

Most Vincentians young and old alike attended the three cricket matches held this week in St.Vincent. The matches were three ‘one day internationals’ between the West Indies and Australia , held on Friday March 16^th , Sunday march 18^th , Tuesday March 20^th. A one day  international match is limited to 50 ‘overs’ or 300 balls bowled. The  matches were held at Arnos Vale which is located 10 minutes out of the city of Kingstown. Some spectators are truly die hard West Indies cricket team fans , who really rejoice or agonize depending on if the West Indies team is winning or losing  , while others go for the excitement of  what the game brings.

 I personally find the game itself a bit boring but the real life games are the complete opposite, an event is made  of it .The atmosphere at these games  takes the form of a party where every score is celebrated with a burst of music and that is accompanied with cheers. There is usually a variety of food and beverages available. At a cricket match it seems like something is in the air that can be compared to being kind of like carnival.

Cricket is celebrated through the entire world however I believe in the Caribbean it is more lively and  more celebrated. In  countries like Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and Barbados, when Test matches (which can run for five days) are played . The games are attended by the thousands who are kept entertained by live music of steel pan and soca music. Some of the entertainment is impromptu  as  local performers  just entertain the crowds  as part of the party  spirit.

In St.Vincent, the matches were well attended. The infamous “Guinness possé Stand” was filled with spectators as this stand is usually the hot spot. This stand caters to the people who enjoy more of a good time who want to socialize and dance. There were numerous specials on drinks including Guinness and the stand was catered to by its own deejay who played current and trend music.

Cricket is a great outing where Vincentians can take this day to enjoy a match with their families or come to have a good time. In all it’s a great experience . This time around was especially great as the Team  lost one match , drew one and won one. The excitement was at fever pitch  as the fans were encouraged that their team was making a comeback from being in the doldrums for the past few years. 

National Heroes Day Celebrations

Wednesday 14^th of March was National Heroes Day. It is a national holiday and is celebrated island wide with many festivals showcasing local foods, native dress and dance and excursions to many national parks and recreational cites.  St.Vincent has many heroes some of which are nationally recognized and include: Joseph Chatoyer, E. T.  Joshua , Milton Cato, Hugh Mulzac and George Mc Intosh . Many people associate this day with Joseph Chatoyer, who was a fierce Carib chief who fought off English settlers for as long as possible.  Joseph Chatoyer was the Paramount chief, who ruled over the entire region. He died on the battle field fighting to protect his island St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Some Vincentians usually attend the Joseph Chatoyer memorial service which is held at his shrine located at Dorsetshire Hill, which celebrates his life and contributions.  At this memorial service the crowds are entertained by dances and drumming by actual living Caribs from St.Vincent as well as neighboring islands.

Another of our national heroes is E. T. Joshua, who was St. Vincent’s first Prime Minister after independence. The National airport is named after him.

Not only is this day spent celebrating our national heroes, but it is also a day  where many families come together to enjoy the beaches. They have picnics and just have a good time enjoying the holiday that is National Heroes Day.