Government considers deepening relationship with CPL by signing MOU

ST. KITTS:  Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 14, 2016 (SKNIS): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport, Honourable Shawn Richards, has revealed that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) that would further strengthen the partnership that began in 2014 with the hosting of T20 matches in the Federation.
“That MOU seeks to form a partnership between CPL and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis whereby quite a number of work would be undertaken at the cricket stadium, basically upgrading the cricket stadium,” Minister Richards said.  “We are hoping that for the upcoming CPL Games at the end of June, patrons would be able to see some of this work already in progress and completed.  So at this particular point in time, I would want to say on behalf of the Government, a very special thank you to the SKN (St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots).”
The SKN Patriots was further commended for helping St. Kitts and Nevis achieve its sports developments objectives including the refurbishment of sporting amenities.  The Minister of Sport made sure to outline that plans were also in place to upgrade areas in Nevis, including the construction of a cricket academy.
“Since the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots became a part of the CPL Games, the Ministry of Sport has benefitted tremendously,” he said.  “Thus far, we have had contributions to various schools, and organisations, here in St. Kitts and Nevis from the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots.”
Minister Richards outlined that CPL had provided the St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival with sponsorship as it also did for several community festivals.  He added that the Sports Department had received footballs and cricket gear, while the police force had benefitted from equipment.  The Minister did not miss the opportunity to note that one of the great benefits of hosting CPL is the marketing of the Federation.  He outlined that whereas previously hotel occupancy would have been low, CPL offers the opportunity for increased visitors to the Federation, at that time of the year.
Like last year, CPL matches at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium in St. Kitts took place the week following the St. Kitts Music Festival.  This year, the 20^th Anniversary of the St. Kitts Music Festival takes place June 23 to 25, while the CPL T20 matches are scheduled for June 30 and July 2, 3 and 5.  Last year’s marketing slogan was “Come for Music and Stay for Cricket.”
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