FLORENCE HALL, Trelawny – The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 got under way yesterday with a spectacular opening ceremony at the US$32-million Trelawny Multi-purpose stadium, witnessed by a capacity crowd and an estimated 2.6 billion people across the globe.

The lavish launch, full of pomp and pageantry, began promptly at 5:15 pm against the backdrop of an unobscured view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the historic town of Falmouth.

And as the music from the massed bands and Corps of the Drums of the Jamaica Defence Force signalled the start of the world’s third largest sporting event, Caribbean nationals in Jamaica and around the globe breathed a collective sigh of relief that months of planning were finally paying off.

It was a proud moment for the Caribbean when West Indies cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers officially declared the tournament open, amidst a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the night sky over the newly constructed stadium.

“On behalf of the West Indies, it is my honour and privilege to declare this ninth tournament of the ICC Cricket World Cup officially opened,” Sobers said to tumultuous applause.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who was also among the throng of government representatives of cricket-playing nations in attendance at the nearly three-hour-long ceremony, used the occasion to urge visitors to the island to share in the warmth of the country’s hospitality.

“This is the land of reggae music, great entertainment and we are thrilled to embrace you in the warmth of our unique brand of Jamaican hospitality,” Simpson Miller said. “While here, we invite you to share in the wonders and delights of Jamaica.”

Her colleague, prime minister of Grenada and chairman of Caricom’s Prime Ministerial sub-committee on cricket, Dr Keith Mitchell, in his brief remarks noted that cricket in the region is more than a game: “It is an important part of our national pride and national psyche.”

“For us, World Cup 2007 is not just a prestigious cricket tournament. It is the realisation of a great dream. It is also the birth of a new dawn in which Caribbean countries accomplished the difficult task of coming together as a harmonious and committed unit to pursue the lofty goal and the common goal for making World Cup 2007 a resounding success,” Mitchell said.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony didn’t come cheap. In fact, there have been numerous squabbles between Jamaica’s ruling People’s National Party (PNP) and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) over the amount of money that was spent by the country to host the event.

Jamaica, one of nine Cricket World Cup host Caribbean countries, spent at least J$8 billion to prepare the country for the tournament. Of this amount, a combined US$60 million was spent on the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium and on Sabina Park in Kingston. Region-wide, more than US$400 million was pumped into the staging of CWC.

In his opening statement yesterday, Mitchell noted that his island, which was devastated by hurricanes Emily and Ivan just over two years ago, could have regulated the tournament to an insignificant tournament, but it did not.

“In our period of national crisis we could see the importance and many advantages of hosting the World Cup. So Grenada rededicated and recommitted itself to making it a reality and success,” Mitchell said.

Throughout the evening, thousands of people who travelled from near and far cheered incessantly, particularly during the rich cultural package which depicted the colours and diversity of Caribbean culture.

The splendid entertainment package showcased the talents of popular international reggae artistes Sean Paul, Shaggy, Jimmy Cliff, The I Threes, Sly & Robbie, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs, Third World and Lucky Dube.

The line-up also included first lady of soca Alison Hinds from Barbados; St Vincent’s international singing talent, Kevin Lyttle; and calypsonians Arrow from Montserrat and Trinidadian David Rudder.

All of the nine host venues were represented in the celebration of the spirit of the Caribbean at the function. A cast of stilt-walkers also performed at the glittering ceremony, paying tribute to the Caribbean’s cricket prowess over the years.

President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Kenneth Gordon, in his remarks delivered by board member Valetine Banks, expressed confidence that the region will experience the “best World Cup ever”.

He noted that the region had constructed or rebuilt 12 stadia, mobilised and invested more than US$400 million, employed more than 900 people and inspired legislation, which he said have dramatically deepened the Caribbean community.

“This is the most ambitious event ever undertaken by the collective Caribbean,” Gordon said. He added that during the 49 days of the tournament, more than 100,000 visitors are expected to be in the region for the competition.

Managing director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Chris Dehring lauded the governments and the thousands of volunteers in the region for what he said was their “foresight and courage” in working alongside the West Indies Cricket Board in staging the historic event.

“This evening I am immensely proud to be a West Indian,” Dehring said, adding that over the next six weeks the world would see the best cricketers on earth performing.

President of the International Cricket Council, Percy Sonn, said it was highly appropriate that the tournament is being held in the Caribbean.

“The West Indies, as this grouping of the nations is known, must rank amongst the most idyllic, certainly romantic, and definitely stunning aesthetic of cricketing venues on the globe,” Sonn said.

West Indies captain Brian Lara gave the players’ declaration, while record-breaking Jamaican umpire Steve Bucknor read the oath on behalf of the umpires.

Sixteen teams are competing for the trophy, currently held by Australia.

The first game of the tournament – the world’s third largest sporting event – begins tomorrow with the West Indies playing Pakistan at Sabina Park in Kingston. The competition ends on April 28 with the final in Barbados.