da dobrowin： The horror story of the first Test at Kensington Oval has not onlyaffected the West Indies team
David Hinds23-Jun-2002The horror story of the first Test at Kensington Oval has not onlyaffected the West Indies team.While the Windies have been struggling to get their game going againstNew Zealand on the inside, the vendors on the outside have beenstruggling to get items sold.The first day’s crowd was disappointing and again yesterday, the fansdid not come out in numbers. A Barbados Cricket Association officialyesterday said ticket sales for today’s play have again been slow and asmaller crowd could be in the Oval for the next three days if the gamegoes the distance.Sales are not so good. I think it’s because of the (football) World Cupand there aren’t that many tourists coming to cricket like the last time(against India), said Vincent Adamson of Mama’s Pot, a popular foodstall.People aren’t tired of cricket, they just are not interested in NewZealand because they have no stars.Owner of the stall, David Adamson, has a differing view on why thingsare at a lull.None of the local boys, except for Pedro Collins is playing, and Bajanslike to see their own. Also, the series wasn’t well advertised as it waswhen India were here, he said.That in itself, along with the fact that there is a general downturn inthe economy, is what is hurting sales at this Test match. What I hope todo is to make back the rental cost, right now compared to the last Testseries, I would say business is down 50 per cent.Over at Al’s Food Tent, one of the women told SUNSPORT: It is not goingwell at all. The last time we had cricket, when 1 p.m. we were sold outand looking to go home; not today, she said pointing at the several fulltrays of local food.Even an hour before the day’s play was finished one food stall outsidethe Kensington Stand had closed its shutters and pulled stumps. This wasa symbol that nothing much was happening and nothing much was expected.Not only the food stalls are feeling the pinch of the small crowds.Deborah Hall, owner of Debbie’s Variety, which specialises in Africancrafts, agreed that things are slow.The stall is getting some sales, not much but I am contented withwhatever I make. People, I think, hold their money for the One-Dayersand spend a lot more.Allison Lucas, one of the popular barbecue chefs, said: Friday was veryslow, today [yesterday] was a lot better. People just are not interestedin New Zealand and everyone is feeling the pinch.