West Indies' cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers speaking during the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Trelawny Stadium, Jamaica, yesterday. (AP Picture)

THE WORLD'S GREATEST CRICKETER, Barbados National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers (above), last night officially declared open the first Cricket World Cup (CWC) to be held in the Caribbean.

A little before 7:30 p.m. Jamaica time (8:30 p.m. local time), the Barbados and West Indies legend walked to the podium, amidst loud cheers and salutations from players, officials and a 10 000-strong crowd, to "call play".

"On behalf of the West Indies," he declared, "it is my honour and privilege to declare this ninth tournament of the ICC Cricket World Cup officially open."

And with that announcement, an explosion of fireworks heralded the official start to a tournament that CWC chief executive officer Chris Dehring said was the West Indies' moment in time.

As a further salute to Sir Garry, stiltwalkers from Barbados paid tribute to him, as well as West Indies skipper Brian Lara, during their riveting performance as part of a high-intensity entertainment package.