Kingston, 23 September 2023 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement on plans for the development of cricket in Jamaica.

Minister’s Statement

“I use this opportunity to update the nation on plans for our cricket and the decision of the Government regarding the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

We had been considering the cost and source of funding of nearly half a billion dollars to host a few games in Jamaica.

In our cost/benefit analysis with stakeholders, we also considered the economic, social and development impact, including the potential tourism-related impact and attendant industry benefits using year-over-year economic modelling, reconciled against current tourism performance.

It was a robust exercise in which we considered different permutations including the option not to bid.

At the end of our consultations with stakeholders, it was agreed that Jamaica should prioritise investing in developing cricket from the grassroots to the high performance levels over putting in a formal bid.

It was not an easy decision and I very much understand and share the disappointment of fans who wanted to see T20 World Cup games being played in Jamaica. However, I could not just follow my heart. As a responsible Minister I am obliged to look beyond immediate gratification to sustainable sport development that will yield immeasurable rewards at all levels in Jamaica. I had to pay attention to the cost/benefit analysis, especially in a circumstance of limited resources.

In order to play our part in, hopefully in the not too distant future, fixing West Indies Cricket, we will prioritise investment in the local game.

In this regard, and further to discussion with the Minister of Finance, I announce today that the Government will invest J$100M in the development of youth cricket and cricket in schools over the next five years. This is in addition to our ambitious plan for the rehabilitation and development of Jamaica’s sports infrastructure.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will continue discussions with stakeholders about bringing international cricket to Jamaica in the near future.”

END