Christmas, Carnival and now cricket. Each of these events is capable of bringing some diversion to ease the tensions and pressures of day-to-day living here at home and in many other Caribbean territories. Even from this arguably narrow perspective, when these events come one after another, as they do in 2007, their significance cannot be underestimated.

Quite apart from the respite that these events offer, each can touch the life of the society in other profound ways. And more than providing a welcome interruption in the normal pattern of living, it may be argued that they are a reflection of the society and that they bring about a link to that reality.

The reach of the ICC World Cup, which we the Caribbean will host for the first time, is of mammoth proportions. New stadia, which will remain the “patrimony” of the people of these islands, are only the start of the gains.

Anticipation among cricket lovers is extraordinarily high. Tickets for the March 9 warm-up game between Pakistan and South Africa here in Trinidad have long been sold out. For the first time as a Caribbean people we will be host to thousands of people from various parts of the world.

Our guests must have a firsthand experience of the beauty and the warmth of the islands and their people. For many Caribbean supporters this tournament may give the first incentive or opportunity to visit another Caribbean territory.

The World Cup is a social event which invites us to shrink individualism and to think regionally in a way that perhaps we have never done. It has the power, as Marshall McLuhan would say, “to impose its own assumptions by setting the human community into new relationships and postures”.

Greater visibility, vital information

The Caribbean cricket-playing nations will be linked in a way that cannot be imagined outside of cricket. The West Indies cricket team will contest with teams from 15 countries. The Caribbean will be the world stage. Today’s communication technology has made this event possible, allowing for the simultaneous participation of millions of people.

It is our hope and prayer that the blessings which the World Cup can bring in greater visibility, vital information and stronger inter-connections between nations will be a source of true growth and development for the region and provide an opportunity for improved understanding here in the region and beyond.

This Sunday’s Gospel, the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus according to Luke, suggests a useful point of connection with the World Cup and its likely impact on the region. In the story, Peter and his companions awake to see Jesus, Moses and Elijah in glory.

Confused but enthralled by what he sees, Peter’s first words are: “Master it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” The experience of the disciples on the hilltop was not intended to have them stay where they were but to prepare and strengthen them for the future.

The World Cup gives the West Indies the chance to equal Australia’s record of three wins since the start of the competition in 1975. May they do us proud. We welcome the cricketers and fans from all over the world to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

May you have an enjoyable stay among us.