On Tuesday, May 23, 2006, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recorded the largest public gathering ever in that country, when over 7,000 persons turned out to witness the 3rd ODI in the 2006 Digicel Home Series West Indies v. India.
With a population of just over 36,000 persons, this occurrence was significant as it was the first international cricket match being played here. The West Indies recorded a nail-biting four-wicket win over India in the match, which took place at Warner Park, the newly refurbished 8,200 seat cricket stadium.
In the meantime, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has extended congratulations to Digicel for the role they have played in facilitating the day’s event, which will go down as one of the most historic days in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He was speaking inside the Digicel Corporate box, after being presented with the gift of jersey signed by the West Indies team. “I accept this not only personally, but on behalf of the people and government of St. Kitts and Nevis who came out in their numbers. I also accept on behalf of the people who made it possible – the security forces, the police, the organizers… but I must emphasise that, it would not have been possible without Digicel and I want to thank you.”
The 3rd ODI was attended by a wide cross section of citizens including the Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Vance Amory and the Ambassador of Taiwan, H.E. John Liu whose government facilitated the funding of the stadium.
It was a remarkable day for fans and players alike. The first of the over 7,000 cricket fans began pouring into the newly refurbished Warner Park cricket ground from as early as 7:00 a.m. Eager to get their individual vantage points, they came from as far as neighbouring Anguilla as well as sister island Nevis.
Warner Park offers one of the most picturesque views from a cricket ground with great vistas on either end, been compared to grounds like Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa, which boasts the famous Table Mountain in the background.
One cricket fan, Mark Flemming who enjoyed the game from the Eastern Grounds, emerged the winner of the Digicel Red Shirt Day Competition. “Decked out in a red polo shirt, cap and red umbrella, Flemming made an exciting winner. He was aware of the promotion and had actually strategised to win it. “I heard about it on the radio,” he said. I decided to wear full red and now I am winner,” he said dancing excitedly.
The Digicel Red Shirt Day promotion seeks to reward fans for wearing red on certain days. Winners are picked randomly and presented with a Digicel gift bag,” said Leigh Lambert, Digicel St. Kitts and Nevis Marketing Manager.
Louise Finnegan Digicel Head of Sponsorship, revealed that such activities are a part of a wider programme to enhance the fans experience. “From the outset Digicel recognized the passion of West Indian cricket fans. Our goal is to enhance their experience as cricket is one commonality that unites this dynamic region.”
“We are committed to making the Home Series a memorable fun and lively one, promoting new energy inside and outside the cricket ground. Our theme for the Home Series is “It’s a West Indian Thing,” selected to underscore the various characteristics that differentiate West Indies cricket and make cricket in the region such a passionate pastime of Caribbean people. The theme song, which has been written and performed by calypsonian David Rudder, has a catchy, rhythmic beat and refers to cricket as communion and a reunion.
For more information on Digicel’s sponsorship of West Indies cricket, please visit www.digicelcricket.com.
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the fastest growing wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean. A Caribbean company, in five years, Digicel has become renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets. It is the largest GSM operator in the region.
By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting edge of wireless communications.
With the recent achievements of new licenses and acquisitions, Digicel now has operation in 20 Caribbean countries, covering a total population of over 14 million people. Incorporated in Bermuda and currently operating in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Digicel looks forward to launching in Turks & Caicos in the near future.
The company is the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams across the Caribbean and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, which involves over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
