In a major show of support for the nation’s flagship sport, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given the green light to a pair of transformative proposals from Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, signalling a new era for the game’s development, infrastructure, and community engagement on the twin-island state. During a recent high-level meeting, the Cabinet welcomed separate presentations from CWI officials and the Falcons franchise, endorsing a suite of initiatives designed to cement Antigua’s reputation as the heartbeat of Caribbean cricket.
At the core of the discussions was CWI’s ambitious plan to construct a state-of-the-art Cricket West Indies Campus at the Coolidge location.
The project, estimated at US$6.6 million and slated for completion by March 2027, promises to be a game-changer for regional sports infrastructure.
The facility will feature international-standard training amenities, upgraded technology, a cricket simulator, and a museum dedicated to preserving the storied legacy of West Indies cricket.
Cabinet expressed its full approval and committed to ongoing collaboration with CWI to ensure the project’s realisation.
Beyond infrastructure, CWI representatives highlighted a pressing need to revitalise school cricket, particularly at the primary level.
Emphasising a unified approach, they called for stronger partnerships between schools, the Ministry of Sports, and national sporting bodies to rebuild the grassroots structure.
Cabinet welcomed the proposal, supporting programs aimed at boosting participation among both boys and girls to nurture the next generation of West Indies stars.
Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons outlined their strategic roadmap for the upcoming season, which includes intensive training camps, community outreach, and holistic player development programs focusing on physical and mental well-being.
The franchise underscored the importance of creating clear pathways for local talent and advocated for exchange opportunities with cricketing powerhouses such as England, Australia, and India.
In a groundbreaking move for inclusivity, the Falcons also briefed Cabinet on their recent engagement with Antigua’s Spanish-speaking community at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The initiative aims to broaden the franchise’s fan base through Spanish-language promotional materials, including a translated version of the Falcons’ theme song, and targeted outreach activities.
Cabinet commended the franchise for recognising the vital role of the Spanish-speaking demographic in the nation’s cultural fabric and welcomed efforts to make cricket more accessible to all residents.
The meeting also addressed the future of the nation’s most promising cricketing exports. Cabinet held extensive discussions on the development of Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, and Karima Gore, pledging to provide the necessary resources, including specialised training, mentorship, and international exposure, to facilitate their continued growth and advancement on the world stage.