CPL hoping to forge strong relationships – with regional Governments

CPL Operations Manager Senator, Carlisle Powell, is hoping that strong relationships are birthed between the CPL and regional governments after he recently met with high ranking Cabinet ministers in the six franchise countries.

The six CPL franchise countries are Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda, and Powell described the meetings as quite productive. Powell was speaking during a press conference earlier this week where the full CPL draft list was released.

“The foundation for a solid working relationship has been established and I know that I can call on each of them to assist with the operations and logistics in their respective countries. We are seeking to partner with the regional tourism authorities to find ways to capitalise on the economic boost that the CPL will bring to their countries,” he said.

Powell, who took up the post of Operations Manager three weeks ago, also met with the cricket boards for the respective franchise countries and the various venue operators. He also had a chance to visit each venue to see what they each had to offer and what needed to be done to meet the CPL’s goals.

He added that the CPL is not only about cricket, but that they wanted to help regional tourism authorities to enhance their products. Powell noted that the addition of the CPL to their calendars is certainly a step in the right direction, as it is expected that there will be an influx of regional and international visitors to the franchise countries during the course of the tournament.

“We expect an influx of regional and international visitors for the tournament and the respective Governments are keen to work with us to accommodate them and this is very encouraging,” said Powell.

Powell is a Senator in Nevis where he was a Minister of Communications, Works, Utilities, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment. He is also a past member of the West Indies Cricket Board.

The CPL will get going on July 31 at Kensington Oval with an opening ceremony followed by the first match between Barbados and St. Lucia. (PG)