Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow and Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring attended the 25th Annual Citizenship by Investment and Investment Migration Conference (CIS25) this week in Antigua and Barbuda.
The event brought together investors, policymakers, and development leaders, including Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell.
CWI used the conference to present its plans for cricket as a platform for sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean.
Chairman of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), Ricky Skerritt, and General Manager Nelecia Yeates were also part of the delegation.
During a panel discussion on sport and investment, 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 in Antigua was presented as a flagship project. CWI outlined plans for a multi-use complex combining sport, culture, entertainment, and commerce, and is considering using the region’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme to attract long-term investment.
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. Shallow highlighted the potential role of the CBI programme in supporting cricket development, stating, “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 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 focused on exploring partnerships and presenting cricket as an asset for regional economic development.
