The people of St. Kitts & Nevis are now mobilizing themselves to take full advantage of the business opportunities that are available during the hosting of next year's Cricket World Cup.
Almost seventy persons turned out for a Community Outreach presentation that was held at the Foundation for National Development, (FND), on Wednesday, 18th October, 2006.
The gathering represented a wide cross section of small business men and women, who said that it is their intention to cash-in on commercial activities that might be available in locations such as the Warner Park Stadium, the Practice Facilities in Cayon and Conaree, downtown Basseterre and throughout the rural communities.
The small entrepreneurs who were present explained that they had a strong interest in the retail of merchandise and souvenirs, the promotion of concerts and other entertainment events, catering, vending, and the staging of various community oriented events.
Wednesday night's forum formed part of the national outreach sensitization program being spearheaded by the Local Organizing Committee, the LOC.
The small entrepreneurs benefited from presentations made by the LOC Chief Executive, Mr. Horatio Versailles and the LOC Commercial & Communications Manager, Mr. Val Henry.
During his address, the LOC Chief Executive provided a comprehensive overview of the Cricket World Cup, focusing on the matches to be played here, the rights of sponsors, the recently passed Sunset Legislation and the on-going ticketing program.
Versailles told attendees that they should seize the opportunities to make money from the tournament and create business initiatives that could help promote local entrepreneurship.
During his presentation, Commercial Communications Manager, Val Henry, zoned in on over thirty different avenues, through which Kittitians and Nevisians can reap financial benefits from the hosting of the games and the expected influx of thousands of visitors and returning nationals These included opportunities in accommodation, entertainment, transportation, vending, catering and the retailing of merchandise.
Henry said that with an event such as the Cricket World Cup, visitor expenditure will be high, with people seeking items such as caps, polo & t-shirts, flags and other souvenir offerings that local retailers are expected to have in stock.
The LOC officials provided the meeting with a comprehensive list of all companies in the Caribbean and worldwide, that have been granted licenses to produce and distribute Cricket World Cup merchandise.
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The point was made however, that nationals should not only concentrate on official Cricket World Cup merchandise as possible items to attract visitors, but that they should also place much emphasis on our local craft and other souvenir products that have had a long and rich tradition of satisfying the souvenir needs of visitors.
Once again though, the LOC team reminded participants that they should avoid the unauthorized use of the Event marks, logo, name and mascot when producing or promoting their products. The LOC Chief Executive explained that any use of these corporate materials must have the full approval of the International Cricket Council, ICC.
Similar Outreach Presentations will be held as early as next week in Conaree, Cayon and St. Pauls. Others will take place in Old Road, Basseterre and Charlestown.
