The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says West Indies cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garner will be honored during CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York from June 16-21, 2024.
CTO said on Thursday that the 6’8” former Windies fast bowler will participate in a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party in midtown Manhattan on Monday, June 17, at the Caribbean-owned and-operated S’Aimer NYC Restaurant during an event supported by Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.
“Garner was a formidable presence for batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s, renowned for his blistering pace, towering bounce and devastating yorkers that often sent stumps flying,” CTO said.
Among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, CTO said Garner had an impressive average of 20.97.
He played his final Test in 1987 alongside his successor, Courtney Walsh, and was the last of the “Awesome Foursome” – Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner and Colin Croft – to retire, CTO said.
It said Garner will be honored during the ceremony, which will be attended by CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, and Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill.
During the reception, CTO said there will be a live stream of the West Indies vs. Afghanistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match being held in St. Lucia.
“It is important that we recognize the significance of cricket and sports in tourism development, and especially important that we honor our legends,” said Rosa Harris, director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands and Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors.
“Their contributions have been invaluable in promoting our region,” added Harris, spokesperson for Caribbean Week in New York.
