IT was an exciting and delightful event undertaken by Saint Lucian Brand Ambassador Daren Sammy and crew (including Sports Minister Kenson Casimir), Cricket West Indies (CWI) and international Cricket Council (ICC) representatives, as the touring party took in some iconic locations on the island to display the ICC Men’s T20 Trophy, last Saturday.
The group began its tour with a climb up the slope to the Old Fort, at Pigeon Island, before winding its way down to Soufriere and then on to Vieux Fort.
According to a CWI release, the coveted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy is making its way through the region providing fans with a chance to share in the spectacle and be a part of this prestigious event.
After stops in Antigua & Barbuda, and Barbados, the touring party made its way to Saint Lucia. Later, after taking in the view atop the Old Fort, at Pigeon Island, and posing with the World Cup Trophy for some photos, the group descended and made its way to Rodney Bay where they boarded a boat to Soufriere.
Sammy stood triumphantly in front of the majestic Pitons Mountains. Dressed in a vibrant pink jersey, he held aloft the shining silver ICC Men’s T20 Trophy.
Sammy was in his element – as he recalled with great emotion and sentiment – the magic moments when he held the cherished prize in the air with millions around the world as his adoring audience – not once but twice.
Due to his heroics and warm personality, Sammy is the pride of Saint Lucia – he is the nation’s favourite son and was the center of attention as the island held the third stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy tour.
Everywhere he went there were adoring fans to greet him. The charismatic 40-year-old is the Head Coach of the West Indies going into the June 1 to 29 global mega event. If he triumphs on home soil, he will become the only man to win as both captain and coach.
Along the way, and with Saint Lucia’s iconic Pitons in the background, Sammy posed for some more photo opportunities, before speaking to media representatives about the significance of the tour and prospects for the Windies team pulling off another victory.
Sammy said: “What a lovely day to be out here in the ocean as we stand at the feet of the Pitons. Feels great to be here at home taking the trophy around so that everyone can be part of this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy tour. It’s wonderful to see … our fans are excited and ready for the tournament when it comes to Saint Lucia at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium.”
From the Pitons, the caravan headed to Vieux Fort on the southern side of the island.
Live entertainment was in the mix and the likes of Arthur Allain, Sly and Dhurv Too Funny- popular soca artistes- delivered and rocked the supportive crowd gathered at the Vieux Fort Square.
Crista St Jour, who described herself as a cricket fan said, “It’s a great feeling to see the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy and Daren Sammy in Vieux-Fort. I am backing him to win the trophy.”
Another fan declared: “I am very excited. Saint Lucia is a cricket nation and the matches which will be held here will help boost the tourist industry. It will be a great opportunity to showcase our hospitality.”
“I am hoping we will win the World Cup,” he added.