(CMC): Cricket West Indies (CWI) is hoping that the redeveloped Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua can attract long-term, strategic investment.
Speaking during the 25th Annual Citizenship by Investment and Investment Migration Conference (CIS25), which concluded in Antigua last week, CWI’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring explained that the new look CCG was envisioned as a vibrant, multi-use complex that could be used to merge sport, culture, entertainment, and innovation.
He said CWI was actively exploring how this project can be enhanced by the region’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) framework to attract investors.
“Our aim is to turn Coolidge into more than a cricket venue – we see it as a dynamic, multi-use development hub that brings together sport, culture, and commerce.
“With the right partnerships, this project can be a blueprint for how sport can drive meaningful investment,” Dehring said.
“In addition, every year we broadcast cricket from the region to millions of viewers worldwide, many of whom the CBI programme could be of interest.”
The conference convened global investors, policymakers, and development leaders, including the Hon Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon Philip J. Pierre, prime minister of St Lucia; the Hon Roosevelt Skerrit, prime minister of Dominica; and the Hon Dickon Mitchell, prime minister of Grenada.
Dr Shallow and Dehring, along with Chairman of the CCG Ricky Skerritt and General Manager Nelecia Yeates, completed the CWI delegation at the conference.
During the conference, CWI presented its evolving vision for cricket as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean.
Dehring also participated in a high-level panel discussion on sport and sustainable investment, where he shared insights into cricket’s global commercial growth and the critical role of regional infrastructure.
“Cricket has always been more than just a game in the Caribbean – it’s an identity, a brand and a global asset.
“But now it represents, also, a significant platform to attract regional investment where there is untapped potential, especially in East Asian and North American markets, where there is vibrant interest in the sport,” Dehring pointed out.
“By engaging high net worth fans more deliberately through cricket, we can attract capital that not only enhances our cricketing infrastructure, but also drives broader economic growth.”
Meanwhile, Dr Shallow maintained that attracting investment was critical to the sport’s development in the region.
“The Citizenship by Investment programme offers a valuable pathway for attracting meaningful investment into cricket and other areas of regional development. It provides an opportunity to connect global capital with our ambitions to grow the game and strengthen the Caribbean’s economic landscape.
“The level of engagement from regional leaders at CIS25 reflects a shared commitment to progress. With this kind of unified interest, we can consolidate our efforts and create greater economic opportunities for all Caribbean people,” Dr Shallow added.
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