KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the unprecedented accomplishments of West Indies cricket teams in capturing three separate titles this year should be used as a source of motivation for the region.
Holness is the latest Caricom Prime Minister to heap praise on West Indies cricketers after they won both the ICC T20 World Cup men’s and Women’s titles on Sunday, on the heels of the Under-19 team’s title win.
On Sunday, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell praised the twin triumph in India, and has pledged CARICOM’s continued commitment to improving the standard of governance in the sport regionally.
“Many doubted the possibility of these great victories but the teams remained focused on their tasks and their self-belief, fixity of purpose and professionalism won the day,” said Prime Minister Holness, in a press release from the Prime Minister’s office.
“We all should be proud of our men and women and use these victories as motivation in our personal endeavours.”
West Indies men defeated England men by four wickets in Sunday’s final to regain the T20 World Cup shortly after West Indies Women won the title for the first time by pulling of an eight –wicket victory over Australia Women.
Windies Women captain Stafanie Taylor of Jamaica was named player of the tournament.
Taylor has also been selected captain of an ICC team of the tournament that comprises four players from New Zealand, two players each from Australia and England and one player each from Pakistan and South Africa.
Taylor’s team mate, all-rounder Deandra Dottin, has also been selected on the ICC team of the tournament.
“All West Indies cricket fans are today rejoicing at the tremendous success of the teams,” said the Jamaican leader.
“I must hail the captain of the women’s team, Stafanie Taylor, especially, as she continues to show great leadership and tenacity in her craft – and the men’s team, while keeping us on edge, showed the world that great things will continue to come from West Indies Cricket.”
Prime Minister Holness says his government will consider “suitable ways” to honour the teams.
“Their triumphs should become signposts of success for future generations,” the Jamaican Prime Minister said.
