By: St. Clair Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)-The excitement of the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) is again returning to St. Kitts in 2015. This is after its smashing success in 2014.
From June 30, 2015 to July 11, 2015 the islands would again be whipped into CPL cricket frenzy by the fast paced competition that surfaced in the islands in 2013.
Here in St. Kitts-Nevis plans for the successful staging of the event are well and truly on the way. This is according to CPL’s newly appointed Public Relations Media Marketing Executive for St.Kitts-Nevis, Mr. Mervin Hanley.
In an exclusive interview with Nevispages, an enthusiastic Hanley indicated that he was looking forward to the opportunity of being a part of the most dynamic sporting event in the entire Caribbean.
Hanley stated that he was cognizant of the task at hand, and recognized from the outset the challenges that would be confronted to stage the upcoming event. He recounted the overwhelming success and adulation the event received last year and vowed that this year would be equally successful. He continued, “Last year was probably the biggest party due to the fact that both Kittitians and Nevisians were extremely supportive; and once that is repeated, we are definitely in for some great entertainment.”
Hanley also praised the organizers of last year’s event, and specifically singled out Mr. Vernon Springer. Hanley stated that Springer should be commended and applauded, for doing a remarkable job last year. Hanley pointed out that events such as the CPL are always difficult to stage because the organizers can be on the receiving end of harsh criticism if everything doesn’t go according to plan, but what the organized group achieved last year was phenomenal.
Hanley stated that he was in attendance for some of the 2014 games, and whether one was a cricket fanatic or not, the atmosphere was so electrifying, that it was virtually impossible to resist getting caught up in the euphoria. He noted that regardless of the vantage point from which spectators viewed the games, excitement and fun abounded.
Hanley also spoke about the entertainment that was provided for last year’s event. He indicated that the involvement of American rap artiste, Rick Ross, was a great boost for the event and his presence automatically escalated the hype. However, Hanley claimed that he does not anticipate that major acts like Ross or anyone equivalent to him will be on show this year, due to the fact that the CPL matches in St. Kitts would fall immediately after the popular St. Kitts Music Festival. Hanley was adamant however, that local acts would provide the entertainment this year, and would do so with the same gusto as any international artiste.
When asked about St. Kitts not having the luxury of staging the semi finals and the final this year, Hanley’s response was that he doesn’t think it will affect the influx of people attending because they have added additional games to their repertoire. He continued, “I am not dismissing that the semi finals and the final do create a buzz, but because of the additional games we now have, I think that will replace the semis and the final and it will be the same exciting frenzy.” He believes that CPL has already made a name for itself and the brand is all about excitement and enthusiasm whether it is in Barbados, Trinidad, St. Kitts or Nevis.
Hanley stated that he has been having almost daily conversations with the Hon. Shawn Richards, the Minister of Sports in the Federal Government, and whose Ministry is responsible for the CPL. Hanley stated that Hon. Richards has been extremely cooperative thus far and there is an open door policy as it relates to CPL.
Hanley was elated to report, that everyone is working strenuously and diligently to ensure that CPL 2015 would be even more successful this time around. In conclusion, he pointed out that there will be activities in both St. Kitts and Nevis in the lead up to, and during CPL 2015 and he was hopeful that these activities would promote great hype and participation.
The Caribbean Premiere League 2015 is scheduled to begin at Kensington Oval, in Barbados, on June 30, 2015, with the Barbados Tridents taking on the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The first game at Warner Park, in St. Kitts is set for July 6, 2015 with the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots coming against the Barbados Tridents.
Tickets for the event will go on sale for St. Kitts and Nevis on May 27, 2015.