Ridley Jacobs ... one of the Antiguans to be honoured today. - File

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

ANTIGUA AND Barbuda's West Indies Test and one-day international cricketers, along with umpires, coaches and comedians, will be honoured by the government today when the People's Republic of China officially hands over the new Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium to the Antiguan government.

The Baldwin Spencer administration has planned a ceremony to mark the occasion which will take place at the VRCG at North Sound, a former sugar-cane plantation that has been transformed in a first-class venue to host Super Eight matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

Former Windies captain and batting legend Sir Vivian Richards, after whom the stadium is named, will be among those honoured along with legendary pacer Andy Roberts, all-rounder Eldine Baptiste, former captain Richie Richardson and fast bowler Curtly Ambrose.

Winston and Kenneth Benjamin, ex-wicketkeeper/batsman Ridley Jacobs, former batsmen Dave and Sylvester Joseph and Leewards pacer Adam Sanford will be honoured for the Test and ODI exploits.

Former all-rounder Hamish Anthony and ex-seamer Kerry Jeremy, who played only ODIs, will be part of the honour cast.

Umpire Clancy Mack, who has performed duties at the international and first-class levels, coach Taddy Arrindell, who has been responsible for the development of some of the country's top players, and cricket comedians, Gray, Mayfield, Pappy, and DJ Chickie, will also be recognised.

Some of Antigua's top calypsonians, such as Short Shirt and Swallow and top band, Red Hot Flames, will perform at the function which will also feature a fireworks display by the Chinese.

The PRC funded and built the stadium with a grant of US$21 million and about 300 workers.