You take nothing for granted anymore in the Caribbean. Three governments have inexplicably changed hands over past two years; Cuba seems about to fold and In Trinidad we are in the throes of our sixth federal election in nineteen years. Common truth also seems to be a thing of the past in our mainstream media.
Through the white noise of it all the T20 World Cup has materialised like a distractive oasis if not quite an object of reason in these restless times.
In its final warm-up game, the West Indies lost to New Zealand by 7 runs. They lost their last ten wickets for 49 runs. The cold water effect of such a collapse on the regional fan club ensured an earnest interest in every game going forward.
That we have nothing close to a lock in a tournament with a format that whispers upset on an over to over basis is almost a welcome change of experience to this writer. The Caribbean needs some wonder and adventure that this tournament promises. There really is no clear favourite and fortunes are set to change on a daily basis due to its compressed scheduling.
The Windies seemed to pick up on the prevailing vibe and played with swashbuckling abandon before buckling down. The bowlers covered up the sins of the batsmen this time around as an inexperienced Ireland were kept out of their own response by a rampaging Rampaul and our other Keiron Pollard: Darren Sammy.
The Windies performance followed a nail-biting New Zealand victory over the ever lurking Srilankans and the tournament was immediately locked into motion. Hold on to your drinks and make no bets. We're off and I'll enjoy the ride come what may.
(Click here to know more about Jonathan)