In a message of congratulations and appreciation to the Jamaica Local Organising Committee (LOC) – which was given responsibility for delivering a world-class welcome to the tournament – Chris Dehring, Managing Director & CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc, heralded the three-hour showcase of regional culture and entertainment as “an evening that represented the very best of the Caribbean and one which was truly befitting of the Cricket World Cup”.

“They rose to the challenge magnificently and showed the talent, ability and imagination of the people of this region. It was the perfect launching pad for two months of fantastic cricket and has set a standard to which we must all live up in the coming weeks. I believe it was a night on which all people of Caribbean origin were proud as millions around the world were treated to a stunning spectacle,” said Dehring.

Praising the work of Jamaica LOC CEO, Robert Bryan; Executive Producer for the CWC Opening Ceremony, Martin Lewis, and their entire team, he noted the “logistical nightmares” which they overcame in planning an event of that magnitude.

“Their determination to produce a show of great quality never wavered and they stuck to their task admirably. It just shows what is possible when people commit themselves to a challenge. This achievement should be wonderful inspiration for other Caribbean people to strive for even greater success on the regional and international stage.”

The Opening Ceremony, which took place at Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, featured various top artistes, including David Rudder, Jimmy Cliff, The I Threes, Machel Montano, Sean Paul, Alison Hinds, Lovindeer and Kevin Lyttle. Their acts blended with a colourful and captivating array of cultural presentations that reflected the Caribbean’s diverse heritage. The three performers of the ICC CWC 2007 Official Song – Rupee, Shaggy and Fayann Lyons – made their first-ever live appearance and the 16 Participating Nations took centre-stage as they paraded in front of more than 10,000 spectators.

West Indies captain, Brian Lara, delivered the Players’ Declaration while the Officials’ Declaration was rendered by umpire, Steve Bucknor, and the tournament was declared open by the greatest cricketer of all time, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers who said he thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.