A symphony of Reggae and Calypso rhythms formed the silhouette of a colourful
and extravagant opening ceremony of the ninth Cricket World Cup at the
Trelawny Stadium here today. 
Titled 'West Indian Energy', the opening ceremony unfolded
in true West Indian style showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean,
as boundaries disppeared with nine Island nations joining hands in an unprecedented
effort to host the mega event.
Three decades after their triumph in the first World Cup in
1975, the twice World cup champions sang and danced their way into 47-days of
cricketing carnival.
Reggae, dancehall, calypso and different musical genres, were
pieced together featuring Caribbean dance sequences, fire-eaters and stilt-walkers
playing cricket in a spellbound three-hour opening ceremony, watched by about
10,000 at the Trelawny Stadium and over 150 crore through television.
Former West Indian all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers,
now in his 70s and acknowledged one of the greatest cricketer, officially declared
the tournament open. "On behalf of the West Indies it is my honour and
privelege to decalre the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup officially open,"
he said.
Particular attention was paid to the region's commitment to Carnival in the
opening ceremony which cost USD 2.5 billion and brought to life with the help
of over 2500 singers, dancers and performers.
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