Just as you would expect, a giant bat erected on on the William Peter Boulevard on Saturday, is drawing all kinds of attention. No need to fear, this bat has absolutely nothing to do with the winged creature. This specially crafted bat is part of a marketing strategy for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 taking place in four venues in the Caribbean.

The giant bat with the inscription “Bring it St Lucia” refers to the event taking place from April 30 to May 16 at four venues—St Lucia, Barbados, Guyana and St Kitts.

On hand for the unveiling of the giant bat was President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dr Julian Hunte; ICC WT20 West Indies 2010Tournament Director, Robert Bryan; officials with the Local Organizing Committee; cricket models and the Conch Shell Man.

Before the unveiling, Hunte addressed curious onlookers who normally flock to the boulevard on Saturday.

“The giant cricket bat marks the 55th day countdown to the commencement of the tournament on April 30,” said Hunte. “We continue to urge you to purchase the tickets and I hope every one of you will make this tournament a success.”

He proclaimed that this tournament would be “the biggest single sporting event that we have hosted in the West Indies, in addition to the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007.”

Dr Hunte once again called on St Lucians to come out in large numbers to showcase to the world our brand of cricket and the organization that we are capable of in the West Indies.

Following these words the giant bat was unveiled by Dr Hunte, Bryan and a group of young ladies decked out in cricket gear.

So far Bryan is pleased with the way the marketing campaign has gone. He said: “In St Lucia we can definitely see the ramping up of our marketing program. More people are beginning to get the message about Twenty20 cricket which is also showing up in the ticket sales.”

St Lucia was a trouble spot for ticket sales, however, Bryan pointed out that over the last 10 to 12 days the percentage of sales here has doubled.

When it comes to the giant bats there are more on the way. One will be located in Vieux Fort and the other in Rodney Bay.

Bryan pointed out that there are a number of other elements of the marketing program and this is just the beginning. Without giving too much away, he mentioned a bus tour and surprise concerts highlighting the artists on the newly released tournament song.