Golding says PNP government will bring back international cricket to Ja

In a swipe at the Holness Administration, Opposition Leader Mark Golding on Sunday promised to bring international cricket back to Jamaica, after congratulating the West Indies team for their breathtakingly dramatic victory over Australia in the second Test match to end the series 1-1. 

The eight-run Test win is the first for the Caribbean team on Australian soil in 27 years. 

Golding, who was speaking at a People's National Party (PNP) candidate presentation meeting at Hatfield Primary School in northwest Manchester, told supporters that the Government has turned its back on cricket in Jamaica. 

“I just want to big up West Indies cricket team and the young yout Shamar Joseph… This Government won't support cricket. When we come back to office international cricket will have to return to Sabina Park because cricket is part of our culture and part of our sporting heritage,” Golding said to thunderous applause. 

His comment adds to sustained criticism of the current administration on its handling and support of cricket. 

Local cricket fans were angered last September when news emerged that Jamaica would not feature as one of the region's host countries for the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Twenty20 (T20) World Cup. 

Jamaica did not submit a bid. 

Sports Minister Olivia Grange subsequently told the nation that the Government considered bidding but concluded that the “tremendous cost” of over $450 million to bid for, host matches, and upgrade infrastructure was too much. 

Instead, Grange announced a plan to invest $100 million in the development of youth cricket and cricketing schools over five years. 

In December, the Government again faced criticism over news that the Jamaica Tallawahs cricket franchise, three-time winners of the Caribbean Premier League, would not feature in this year's staging. 

Former Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller cited a lack of sufficient Government and corporate support. 

However, Grange has maintained that the Government offered support. 

- Kimone Francis 

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