It was a welcome fit for kings, as the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) officially recognised the presence of the Saint Lucia Kings players and coaches on Thursday, ahead of their home leg of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Each year, the SLTA hosts a cocktail reception of sorts to welcome the Kings to the island, embracing them with Saint Lucian hospitality.
This occasion is in line with the SLTA’s strategic plan to marry sports and tourism. Brand Saint Lucia is prominently represented not only in the team’s name but also on their uniforms.
The 2025 edition of this prestigious event included a cruise featuring a tour of some of the island’s most scenic northern beaches, starting from the IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Players were treated to melodious tunes and well-prepared local cuisine as they took in breathtaking sunset views.
This year, the Boys in Blue were welcomed back to Fair Helen with a new title: CPL Champions, for the first time in the history of the franchise.
Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, highlighted the achievement, expressing full support for the squad in the upcoming season.
“For the first time in our history, we enjoyed a celebration at Derek Walcott Square after our victory last year, and we’re certainly hoping that we can make it to two in a row,” he said. “I think we have what it takes. We have the team, we have the passion, and we have the fans, and I’m certainly expecting a lot from this team this year.”
Newly minted Kings skipper David Wiese was in a grateful mood when speaking at the gathering. The Namibian-South African all-rounder expressed gratitude to the Tourism Authority and the Saint Lucian public for their continued support of the team.
“As soon as we get here, you guys always make us feel so welcome. It’s an awesome place to go to. As soon as we get here, the comfort that you give us is fantastic,” Wiese said. “The support that we get from Saint Lucia, we get here, we sell out every single game, and it’s just nice to play in front of a stadium that’s always supporting us and that starts with [the SLTA] and the promotions and everything that you do for us.”
Louis Lewis, CEO of the SLTA, further emphasised the support noted by Wiese, simply stating: “Welcome to Saint Lucia. Welcome to the start of a new season that kicks off from here, and you have all my luck, all my good wishes.”
