CEO of Digicel Jamaica David Hall (left) chats with members of the South African delegation. At second right is Graeme Smith, captain.
THE BIG red Digicel blimp hovering over Devon House was like a beacon drawing everybody to the scene.
The mega sponsor pulled off another excellent party on May 5 but this one was for the West Indies and South African cricket teams. The lawns to the left of the main house were elaborately decorated with red, of course, being the primary theme. Drummers pounded away all night but the cacophony especially rose when the teams arrived.
The West Indies players led by Shivnarine Chanderpaul decked out in their maroon shirts while the South Africans, with captain Graeme Smith in the lead, sauntered in with their green and white. The local lads were soon busy taking photos with eager guests and enjoying some rum. Fourth Test century makers Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle especially had the attention of the ladies.
Meanwhile, the South Africans didn't hesitate to sample the food on offer. Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini seemed to be having more fun than anybody else as he was moving to the pulsating rhythms emanating from the drums (it probably reminded him of home). The point was that both sets of players were enjoying themselves after a tough four Test matches.
CEO of Digicel Group, Raoul Fontanez, took the opportunity to reassure everyone that the company would continue to sponsor cricket in the region. He half-joked that despite all the bumps the current WI squad was going through, it just meant they were building up for World Cup 2007.
D.K.
