'Fed and Watered' at Kensington

Few organizers of events being covered by the media truly understand the importance of looking after members of the journalism fraternity. After what we read about the drama in the Trinidad press box, there was no such problem here at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Apart from spacious and sturdy seating and the necessary telecommunications facilities (once you were willing to pay the hefty telephone company charges), journalists were 'fed and watered' in style on the first day of the 3rd Test between England and the West Indies.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica, were it not for the luxury of being able to get my much needed midday sustenance from a private box on the opposite end of the ground, I would have had to be scrounging, unless I worked with TWI. Imagine my surprise then this morning when it was announced that lunch would be available right here in the Peter Short Media Centre.

As lunch time approached, the sweet smell of today's offering pervaded the air and one could not wait for the players to walk off at the interval. The queue moved easily and the menu board read as follows - Tossed Salad, Coleslaw, Peas and Rice, Macaroni Pie, Stewed Beef, Roast Chicken and Fried Flying Fish (that sure is a tongue twister!). Of course, of the latter item, the most frequently asked question was 'from where?'

That aside, I watched as successive colleagues, both from England and the West Indies asked if they were able to have two meats. The response from the caterers was 'whatever you like'. Some had all three; others sticking to their vegetarian diets had none.

The lunch box lid being closed saw the other most popular question being asked. 'How much does it cost?' No worries man. It's free. Don't you know that Barbados loves cricket lovers...and the media too?

Looking forward to tomorrow, the caterers ? The Dining Club ? have promised a typically Bajan fare. That must naturally include the cornmeal and okra based Cou Cou accompanied with Steamed Flying Fish, and the Bajan's popular meat ? pork.

There are additional items available, but not everything is free. Tea will run you US$1.00 and a ?cutter?, which is a sandwich made on round bread will set you back US$2.00. Those among us with a sweet tooth can have their chocolate fix throughout the day for US$1.00 per bar. This is a small price to pay for the luxury of being able to sit and eat where you work (and watch the energetic dancing girls that graced the field for the lunch time spectacle).

Thanks to Steve Edwards and the Barbados Tourism Authority, for ensuring that we can concentrate on our work of bringing the cricket to our readers and not have to scrounge for food.