St Vincent and the Grenadines is buzzing with cricket enthusiasm as three iconic West Indies cricket legends—Courtney Walsh, Sir Curtly Ambrose, and Ridley Jacobs—arrived at Argyle International Airport on October 30. Their visit marks the lead-up to the much-anticipated West Indian Masters XI vs Rest of the World Masters XI T20 match, set to take place on November 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium. This historic event is a centerpiece of the nation’s Independence celebrations and underscores the country’s growing prominence in sports tourism.
On October 31, the cricket icons will attend a special Under-19 exhibition match at the Cumberland Playing Field at 1:00 p.m. This initiative aims to inspire young cricketers from schools across North Leeward by providing them with a rare opportunity to meet and interact with their heroes. The event highlights the importance of youth empowerment through sports and aims to motivate the next generation of Vincentian cricketers.
Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, expressed his excitement about the visit, stating, ‘We are honoured to welcome these iconic ambassadors of Caribbean cricket to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Their presence marks an exciting moment for cricket enthusiasts and a significant milestone for our sports tourism agenda. Events like these bring immense pride, economic benefits, and inspiration to our youth as we continue to elevate our nation on the global stage.’
Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of the legends’ visit. ‘Hosting such esteemed figures reinforces our commitment to establishing St Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier destination for sports and events tourism. Their interactions with our youth and communities will leave a legacy of inspiration and national pride. We encourage everyone to come out, show their support, and be part of this historic sporting moment.’