West Indies win should inspire region: Jamaica PM

Kingston (Jamaica), April 5 (IANS) Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said the unprecedented achievements of the West Indies cricket teams in winning three titles this year should be a source of motivation for the region.

Holness is the latest Caribbean prime minister to heap praise on the West Indies cricketers after they won both the World T20 men’s and women’s titles on Sunday, on the heels of the Under-19 team’s title win, reports CMC.

On Sunday, Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell praised the twin triumph in India and pledged the region’s continued commitment to improving the standard of governance in the sport.

“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 Holness on Monday.

“We all should be proud of our men and women and use these victories as motivation in our personal endeavours.”

The West Indies men defeated England by four wickets in Sunday’s final to regain the T20 World Cup shortly after the West Indies women won the title for the first time by pulling off an eight-wicket victory over Australia.

The women's captain, Stafanie Taylor of Jamaica, was named player of the tournament.

Taylor has also been selected captain of an 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 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.”

Holness says his government will consider “suitable ways” to honour the teams. “Their triumphs should become signposts of success for future generations."