The price of spite: when politics cancelled cricket

By *Jonathan Marks

St Vincent and the Grenadines has lost far more than a few cricket matches. It has lost money, exposure, credibility — and a chance for ordinary Vincentians to earn and to dream. The cancellation of the international youth games that were set to be played at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex between November and December is not simply a scheduling change. It is an act that strikes at the heart of the country’s economy, culture, and national pride.

Those matches — seven in all — were to feature England, the United States, and the West Indies Under-19 teams. For three weeks, St. Vincent would have hosted the future stars of international cricket, bringing visitors, media, and attention from across the region and beyond. Instead, all of it was cancelled, with officials citing “changes in international scheduling.” Few Vincentians believe that explanation.

The economic consequences are staggering. Conservative estimates place the loss at roughly EC$8 million. Across the country, businesses were counting on the surge in spending that accompanies major sports. Hotels and guesthouses expected higher occupancy. Taxi and van operators looked forward to steady work. Fisherfolk anticipated larger orders from restaurants. Supermarkets and distributors such as Coreas, Massy, Greaves, Bonadie’s, and Randy’s would have benefited from higher sales.

Restaurants and bars at the old ET Joshua Airport site, along the Vigie Highway, the Fountain Stretch, and throughout Villa would have enjoyed busier weekends. So, too, would the small vendors, food-stall operators, and DJs who rely on match days, pop-up events, and public gatherings for income. This was the kind of short-term boom that keeps small economies alive during the off-season — activity that turns over money in local hands and sends tax revenue to the state. That has now disappeared.

The Treasury also loses. Value-added tax, hotel tax, and consumption duties from goods and services connected to the tournament will never be collected. At a time when government revenue is tight and the state reportedly owes Cricket West Indies outstanding sums, this was a golden chance to earn, pay down debt, and rebuild confidence. Instead, that opportunity has been wasted.

The blow is not only financial. It is cultural. Cricket has always been part of the Vincentian rhythm — an equaliser that brings people together across class and community. The tournament would have created a festival atmosphere. It would have given local entertainers a stage, given schoolchildren heroes to meet, and allowed young players to see international teams practising and competing on their own soil.

Imagine what it could have meant for a child at a rural primary school to meet a young England or West Indies player, or to watch a clinic led by visiting coaches. These are the experiences that ignite passion, that build future athletes and officials. Just recently, the nation proudly honoured the legends of West Indies cricket; now, in a historic act of vindictiveness, pettiness, and bad-mindedness, we have squandered the chance to inspire the next generation of greats.

The lost opportunity is global as well. International youth matches attract coverage across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, and the wider cricketing world. Broadcasters and online platforms would have showcased St. Vincent’s stadium, scenery, and people to millions of viewers. That kind of publicity is worth more than any tourism campaign — and it would have come free, through sport. Instead, that exposure has vanished because of political spite.

Many Vincentians believe the decision to withdraw the use of Arnos Vale did not come from sporting authorities alone. Its timing, coinciding with the political rise of Dr. Kishore Shallow, president of Cricket West Indies and now a candidate for the New Democratic Party, suggests interference from the highest levels of government. Whether or not that can be proven, the perception is damaging. It reinforces the view that power has become more important than progress.

After 25 years in office, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves appears unable to separate personal politics from national welfare. His administration’s role — or acquiescence — in this cancellation shows a dangerous disregard for the people’s interest.

This reprehensible display of wickedness, indifference, and disdain for the Vincentian people and their intelligence cannot be accepted or ignored. It is an act that insults our dignity and deprives the country of economic lifeblood, cultural energy, and international goodwill. Those responsible must answer for what they have done — in the court of public opinion, at the ballot box, and wherever accountability still matters.

The cancellation of the Arnos Vale series has left us poorer — not just in dollars, but in vision. It robbed the nation of opportunity, exposure, and self-respect. It revealed the dangerous truth about those in power: that they would rather see the country lose than see someone else succeed.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserves better — leadership that values opportunity over envy, progress over pettiness, and people over politics.

*Jonathan Marks is a Vincentian who writes under a pen name.

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