ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow and Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring represented the organisation at the 25th Annual Citizenship by Investment and Investment Migration Conference (CIS25), last week in Antigua and Barbuda.
The prestigious event convened global investors, policymakers, and development leaders—including the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; and the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada.
Chairman of the CCG, Ricky Skerritt, and Nelecia Yeates, General Manager, completed the CWI delegation at the conference, with CWI using the platform to present its evolving vision for cricket as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean. CEO Chris Dehring 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.
Dehring said,
“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. 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.”
The redevelopment of Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua was showcased as a flagship opportunity—envisioned as a vibrant, multi-use complex that merges sport, culture, entertainment, and innovation. CWI is actively exploring how this project can be enhanced by the region’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) framework to attract strategic, long-term investment. The global reach of West Indies cricket can in turn benefit the sustainability of the CBI programme.
Chris Dehring said,
“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. 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.”
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President, Cricket West Indies said,
“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.”
He further added,
“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.”
CWI’s participation at CIS25 reinforced its commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and harnessing the full economic potential of cricket as a regional asset. (windiescricket)
