On behalf of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and myself, as Leader of the Opposition, I would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to the victorious Men and Women's Teams in the just concluded 2016 International Cricket Council (ICC) T-20 World Cup Tournament.
Just as the February victory of the West Indies Under-19 Team stunned tournament favourite, India, to capture the ICC 2016 Under-19 World Cup and inspired the senior teams in their march through their tournaments, the ultimate success of our three teams will inspire our West Indian nations.
As leaders, we are also inspired by the teamsβ fortitude, resilience and true grit to overcome obstacles in all other aspects of the national endeavour.
Cricket has always been the glue that binds the mosaic of people in the Caribbean region together, in the aftermath of our colonial legacy - even as it played a major role in overcoming the scars of that legacy. As a Region, together, we have achieved much on the cricket fields.
Today, with the victories, against all odds, in all three ICC World Tournaments - the Trifecta of Cricket β we stand on the cusp of igniting another period of West Indian cricketing genius on the world stage.
We also commit our support in whatever form is needed to achieve that goal.
Once again, we acknowledge the role that our youths in the Under-19 Team played in inspiring their seniors in their Tournaments and offer the most heartfelt congratulations to those seniors in the Men's and Women's Team for bringing the trophies of victory in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cups back to the West Indies.
Well done teams!
Bharrat Jagdeo