Fireworks explode at the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony in Trelawny yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn

Ricardo Makyn

By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

"On behalf of the West Indies, it is my honour and privilege to declare this ninth tournament of the ICC Cricket World Cup officially open."

With those words, Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados national hero and West Indies cricket icon, opened the tournament being held in nine Caribbean islands.

The 240 players from 16 teams witnessed a remarkable opening ceremony full of energy, colour and passion and what the organisers said was a prelude of what should be expected over the next 47 days.

"They will see exciting cricket inspired by the rhythm and soul of the West Indies, for cricket in the Caribbean has few competitors when it comes to sheer enjoyment and passion," said Chris Dehring, managing director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup WI 2007, during his speech yesterday.

In welcoming the world to Jamaica, as an estimated two billion people around the world watched the ceremony, Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said, "The sport is deeply embedded in our hearts and in our way of life."

She then reminded the visitors and television audience "this is also the land of reggae music and great entertainment".

What followed was a colourful musical and cultural work of art with the lawn at the stadium serving as the canvas. Byron Lee and The Dragonaires made the first stroke with their calypso medley, accompanied by Machel Montano, Allyson Hinds, Kevin Lyttle and Arrow.

A flawless Sly and Robbie reggae medley, which included back-to-back hits from Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint had the locals and visitors alike on their feet. At the end of it, the picture was clearer and had taken a life of its own.

With fine, but defining strokes, Lucky Dube and Drum Café from South Africa, and Ireland's Aisling dancers and Duffy Brothers added their touch to the event.

With the help of the 1500 performers, Jimmy Cliff and the I-Threes closed the show with a dynamite of fireworks in the background. Ah, the painting was now complete. It was a mosaic declaring to the world, "We can and we have".

The Massed Bands and Corps of Drums of the Jamaica Defence Force during yesterday's opening ceremony. - Ricardo Makyn