As the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters its home stretch for regional fixtures, the Saint Lucia Kings have made their much-anticipated return to their home island, kicking off their local campaign with a celebratory welcome event hosted by Bay Gardens Resorts. The cocktail reception, held at the Kimchi and Callaloo Restaurant located within Sapphire Sands Villas, brought together team players, league officials, and sports journalists to mark the franchise’s homecoming and rally support ahead of the upcoming matches.
In a keynote address during the event, Daren Sammy — the former Saint Lucia Kings captain who now leads the side as head coach — formally introduced this year’s roster to attendees. Sammy highlighted the unique makeup of the 2024 squad, noting that while the team brings together players from diverse cricketing backgrounds, every member shares an intense passion for the sport that aligns perfectly with the iconic, resilient spirit of the Saint Lucian people.
For Sammy, returning to the island for home fixtures carries more than just sporting significance; it represents an opportunity to put Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture and hospitality on a global stage. “It’s always good to be back home. Saint Lucia is a place where people love to travel. And I think Saint Lucia Kings have a part to play in showcasing Saint Lucia to the world,” he shared at the reception.
The CPL currently draws a global audience of more than 1 billion viewers across broadcast and streaming platforms, a reach that Sammy says gives the franchise a unique platform to highlight what makes the island special. “Saint Lucia Kings, the way we play, the excitement we bring, people love to watch us, and we have a team of players that… when they wear that blue, they bleed Saint Lucian spirit,” he added.
The event also drew attendance from senior tourism leadership, including Louis Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Lewis emphasized the significant commercial and promotional value that the Saint Lucia Kings bring to the island’s economy, particularly through the global exposure the CPL provides, and reaffirmed the tourism authority’s full support for the team throughout the 2024 season.
Lewis also shared his confident hopes for the franchise’s performance this year, telling attendees: “I’m already looking forward to September when I’ll be going across to Barbados to see the finals. But I want you to make it real for me so that we can get there.”