Good afternoon.

One of the best parts about the Cup Match holiday is the sense of community and national pride it evokes throughout our island each year. 

Whether you’re a Somerset fan, a St. George’s fan, or simply a cricket fan – Cup Match is the time when we join together to celebrate our traditions, recognize our rich heritage, and of course – it’s a time to spend with family and with friends. 

The Cup Match Classic is so much more than a two-day cricket game. It is an event steeped Bermuda history.

More than 100 years ago, a precursor to Cup Match was established following the abolition of slavery in Bermuda. Men and women from Somerset and St. George gathered to observe and celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1, 1834. 

The celebration of Emancipation, and a friendly game of cricket evolved into what we now know and love – the two-day Cup Match Classic.  

Beginning in 1902, Friendly Societies donated a cup that would forever be fought between the east and west to commemorate our emancipation. This became known as Cup Match.

Cup Match I one of my favorite times of year.

It’s also a very busy time for the hosting cricket club. For several months before the big game, an incredible amount of time, effort and resources are spent preparing the host club and grounds.

This involves getting the pitch primed and ready; upgrading the club facilities, as needed; and ensuring that the scaffolding around the field is safely constructed. 

There is a significant financial investment in the event. The host clubs are appreciative of the corporate community for their sponsorship and support; and the corporate communities should not be alone. This Government believes there are always opportunities to do more. 

That’s why today, it is my honour to present a check to the Somerset Cricket Club, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda from the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism. 

The Ministry of Economic Development & Tourism is working with Somerset Cricket Club to ensure that the events related to the Cup Match weekend can be better promoted to enhance this uniquely Bermudian celebration. 

The support we have given to Somerset Cricket Club does not stop at just the Ministry responsible for tourism. The Ministry of Finance has waived on the duty equipment that was imported to assist with the construction of the scaffolding. 

The Ministry of Public Works has provided: open skip bins; event bins for recycling and for general trash; 1,000 blue bags for vendors and held education programmes for vendors to encourage and to increase recycling; additionally they have waived the fee for dumping at Tynes Bay. 

This increased level of support from the Bermuda Government is essential to ensure that as country we uphold our cultural traditions. 

In the coming years, the Ministries of Social Development and Sports, Economic Development and Tourism National Security and Public Works will allocate funds for the Cup Match Classic’s home club. 

On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I commend Somerset Cricket Club President, Mr. Vashun Blanchette, the Secretary Ms. Joella Dawn Simmons and the all club officers for their hard work in preparing the grounds in anticipation of the 2018 Classic. The government has been working with them for a number of months to ensure they have what they need to ensure this year’s event is a success.

 I also extend a heartfelt good luck to both cricket teams and I wish all of Bermuda a safe and happy holiday weekend.

 Happy Cup Match!

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