AS a Trinidadian, it might seem blasphemous to say that the party leg of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is officially under way in Guyana, but the oil-rich country has certainly transformed what it means to host the CPL finals.
The blossoming energy powerhouse hosted them for the first time in 2022, and is locked in to host the regional T20 showpiece until 2024.
With large recently-discovered deposits of oil and natural gas, Guyana has the fastest-growing economy in the world. Under President Dr Irfaan Ali, the country achieved real growth of 62 per cent in 2022 and is projected to expand by approximately 25 per cent next year. Millions of dollars are being spent on infrastructure projects as Guyana looks to capitalise on its newfound wealth.
With its global status growing alongside its coffers, Guyana not only flexed its financial muscle by agreeing to host the CPL for three consecutive years, but is doing it bigger and better.
When one thinks about carnivals in the West Indies, TT, Barbados and Grenada come to mind.
The Barbados Royals sought to set the stage for CPL matches at home (August 30-September 3) with a motorcade through Bridgetown and Oistins featuring giveaways, models in costume and a live DJ on a music truck, but still decibels below the Kadooment-level partying (October 7-14) the island is known for.
TT boasts what is still often called the greatest show on earth, its globally renowned annual Carnival, but its hosting of the CPL (from 2017-2020) did not incorporate the many facets of the annual festival.
[caption id="attachment_1035661" align="alignnone" width="960"] An artiste performs during last weekend's One Guyana concert for Cricket Carnival 2023 in Guyana. Photo courtesy Cricket Carnival 592 -[/caption]
There were live half-time and post-game performances during the CPL semi-finals and finals in 2017 and 2018, featuring mega-acts such as Machel Montano and Ravi B at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba. The buzzing nightlife on Ariapita Avenue also provided entertainment for fans after CPL matches at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.
This year, Trinidad’s leg of the CPL (September 5-10) featured a welcome party hosted by Carib at the Piarco International Airport, as well as moko jumbies, fire-breathing devils, pan and tassa music as well as giveaways outside venues on match days.
But Guyana is carving out its own niche. It’s making a splash, with 17 days of fun activities coinciding with its hosting of the final leg of the CPL and the final, called Cricket Carnival.
[caption id="attachment_1035662" align="alignnone" width="768"] Trinidadian cricket fan Chad Ramgattie at Providence Stadium in Guyana for CPL 2022. -[/caption]
Chutney concerts, soca concerts, official bar-hopping to meet players, and an international closing concert featuring Machel Montano and Jamaican dancehall stars Spice and Skillibeng were all part of 2022’s celebrations.
For 2023, Guyana has organised three food festivals, a One Guyana concert, a comedy festival, a st
