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Fun at cricket?

Published:Friday | June 24, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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The activities in the Digicel box at cricket are endless as Glenn Lawrence, CEO, Couples Group of Companies, writes up a hi-score sheet while Suzanne Palomino (centre) and Joy Clarke from Digicel look on. - Photos Contributed
From left: The Maragh brothers - Bill, Tex and Raymond - accept personal memorabilia of signed West Indies cricket team jerseys from Digicel's Business Marketing Communications Manager Camille Bent-Jarrett. The brothers, two of whom are on vacation in Jamaica, came out to see the second match in the West Indies versus India Test cricket series.
From left: Errol Rose, manager of JE&S Auto Sales Brokerage and Repairs, shares a laugh with George Roper, Scotiabank's vice-president of compliance, in Scotiabank's suite at Sabina Park during the first Digicel Test between India and the West Indies. Also sharing in the moment is Scotiabank customer Anthony Brown.
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) carefully examines a brand new cricket bat presented to him by CEO of Digicel Jamaica Mark Linehan at Sabina Park on Wednesday. The bat was autographed by all the members of the West Indies cricket team in the Digicel Series 2011.
From left: Cricket great and Johnnie Walker Ambassador, Sir Viv Richards (left) relaxes with Red Stripe's head of corporate relations, Margueritte Cremin, and commentator Maurice Foster at the Johnnie Walker Lounge at Sabina Park on Thursday, June 16.
Ian Moore (left) and Linton Walters share in the good vibe inside the Mayberry Investment-Stewart's Automotives box. - Photo by Barbara Ellington
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To say cricket fans were disappointed with the choice of days for a Test match at the already underutilised Sabina Park is an understatement. Nevertheless, corporate hospitality boxholders went the extra mile to host their clients, family and friends in air-conditioned comfort for the duration of the event.

But when there is no enthusiasm, even the best efforts can pale in comparison to former glory days of mound mania and fans going out of their way to get a taste of free liquor (well-needed, given the dismal Windies showing) and fancy cuisine catered by the island's finest chefs on the fourth and fifth levels at Sabina Park. As for the stands, let's just say, if the people were sheep and I wanted to sleep, I would have finished counting them before my eyelids begin to droop!

The place to be this year was definitely the hospitality box, hosted jointly by Mayberry Investment and Stewart's Automotives. Talk about good vibes all day long! Even corporate giants from other companies (not calling any names) abandoned their own surroundings to lyme with the livewires here all four days. If you wanted cool comfort in tasteful décor, Lorraine Fung's delectable fare, corporate gossip, networking opportunities, or even a quick committee meeting - not to mention a birthday luncheon - Mayberry/Stewart was the place to be.

High-profile visitors

Title sponsor Digicel had its share of high-profile visitors in their box, including former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who took a break from writing to enjoy his favourite game. Digicel CEO Mark Linehan presented him with a bat signed by the West Indies team. Visiting from New York and Toronto, respectively, Raymond and Bill Maragh received signed polo shirts. Board member Harry Smith was also out for the match.

It's now time for the powers that rule Sabina Park to wake up to the reality that our cricket team does not appear to be in any great hurry to entice fans to swap dreary offices for a spot in the park (to contemplate death from frustration) nor do we seem capable of attracting any meaningful games to our shores, so they better host other events at this fabulous venue.

Yes, it's time to halt the South Camp Road landmark's descent to white-elephant status and transform it into a venue for concerts or large church gatherings. Why can't they just cover the pitch and make some money from the venue? As for the West Indies Cricket Board of Control, are they really happy with the pitiful state of affairs?

Ironically, New Kingston hotels were full. I noticed one visitor trying desperately to get a room for Wednesday-tonight and he just barely got one. Can you imagine if there were something really worth watching going on?

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com