A big test for island in the sun

Feb 6 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

I’VE escaped the snow and travelled to Jamaica, island of glorious beaches, aromatic rum and the current Test Series. Visitors are admitted to Jamaica on the condition that they ‘not engage in any form of employment on the island,’ so, most reluctantly, I’m forced to relax and enjoy life as a tourist.

As with other countries hugely dependent on tourist trade Jamaica’s natural assets, such as its beaches and waterfalls, are facing serious problems as visitor numbers rocket. Sewage slops into the sea from major resort towns, and pay levels for many local people living in shanty towns are very low.

Jamaica is already saddled with the lowest economic growth in Latin America, and the global economic slowdown is inflicting new difficulties.

The atmosphere in Kingston, however, is infectiously optimistic. Cricket is a reason to celebrate, and the Test Series is a welcome event. I’m hoping it doesn’t repeat the West Indies Test Series of 1998 when for the first and only time in history the Test match was called off because of the shocking state of the Sabina Park pitch.

The pitch looks much better from where I’m sitting and England are strong favourites to win. The team has not lost a Test series to the Caribbean side for 15 years and Flintoff’s fitness is an added boost.

It is said that cricket is in crisis in the West Indies. The combination of a consistently losing team and complete lack of coaching programmes means that the next generation of cricketers is neither motivated nor able to fulfil its potential.

As in the UK, the need for development programmes for youngsters with excellent coaches is paramount. Cricket academies, first suggested 20 years ago, have yet to appear in the West Indies.

Without the dedicated space, people or investment it seems cricket will continue to decline in the Caribbean. England’s consistent commitment to the game brings exciting new talent to the fore which in turn keeps the sport alive and thousands of fans like me keen to watch.

We move on from Jamaica to Antigua next week, a country echoing Jamaica in its reliance on tourism. Cricket transformed Antigua’s tourism in the run up to the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

If nurtured the game could be a long-term major tourist attraction in the Caribbean. Think how quickly that could happen if only I was allowed to work while I’m over here!