Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

A passionate Patrick Flemming expressing how proud he felt about the 9th ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony last Sunday at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium. - Photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU:

Four years ago doctors in Baltimore, Maryland, gave Patrick Barrett two months to live. Stricken with lymphoma, the Jamaican cricket lover says that after experiencing the 9th ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony his life is complete.

Barrett was one of the hundreds of Jamaicans visiting from overseas who ranked the event coordinated by the island?s best, ?100 per cent excellent? last Sunday evening.

As the drums of the motherland echoed and the rich colours of red, green and gold repeated the words to the popular school anthem ?Jamaica Land of Beauty? emotions exploded and tears welled up in the eyes of those whose expectations were surpassed.

Some shivered, others opened their mouths, awed by the immense proficiency and creative energy thatemanated from the grounds of the transformed sugar cane plantation ? Florence Hall, home to the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

?We have never seen anything like this in the Caribbean, and will never witness this ever again in this lifetime,Valerie Lewis of Freeport, Long Island, said emphatically, adding that if the tickets cost $10,000, she would have still paid to experience the historic occasion.

Lewis said her contribution to the mega event was the sponsorship of tickets for family and friends. Her ultimate aim was to ensure there were no empty seats in the stadium capable of accommodating over 10,000 people.

Baton of national pride

Carrying the baton of national pride at the forefront, like Lewis, the other visiting Jamaicans such as Florida resident Diana Morrell, spoke of the great experience and the proud moment awarded her by her countrymen.

It feels good to be a Jamaican,? she declared while exiting the stadium. Morrell, who has travelled all over the world, said the spectacle put on by event co-ordinator Martin Lewis and his creative team, was awesome. We came out on top, and I am proud to be a part of this world-class production.

As emotions ran high and tears welled up in the eyes of many, The Sunday Gleaner caught Floridian resident, Patrick Flemming, who said Sunday reminded him again and again why he is proud to be a Jamaican.

The event was awesome, absolutely fabulous, and incredibly entertaining, Mr. Flemming said. ?Having seen it all, when your own people surpass your expectations, it gives you an immense feeling of pride, joy and satisfaction.

One of the proudest moments for the Jamaicans living overseas was the innovative way that king of reggae, Bob Marley, was used in a hologram to introduce the I Threes. That idea must have come from a genius, added the Jamaican who finds time to visit his birthplace in Somerset, Manchester, whenever he is here.