Grenada’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the CARICOM Subcommittee on Cricket Governance, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, extends best wishes, on behalf of the Prime Ministers of CARICOM, to the West Indies T-20 Men and Women’s teams, as they compete in the Finals of the World T-20 tournaments.

Dr. Mitchell said that the Governments and Peoples of the region remain optimistic in the abilities of the teams and their respective coaching staff to secure the championships on Sunday, and that whether the teams win or lose, they are already considered victors in the eyes of the Caribbean people.

According to the Prime Minister, “despite the many challenges that the West Indies teams have faced in the last few years, both on and off the field, as a region, we have never ceased following your exploits, and supporting your efforts. The CARICOM leaders will continue to explore all avenues, and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the appropriate structures are put in place for your development as cricketers. Regional cricket is a public good; and in moments like these, the general public all around the region, applaud your efforts and thank you for the joy and pride you are bringing to us, despite the tremendous odds that you have faced, and continue to face.”

The Prime Minister calls on everyone to rally around Teams West Indies on Sunday, expressing his belief that the region’s collective and palpable excitement for the tournaments will help propel the teams to victories in the finals.

Dr. Mitchell reminds the players of the great responsibility they carry, by stating that cricket continues to be a vital tool in regional development, and the support that the West Indies teams generate across racial, religious, political and other boundaries, is indicative of the consolidation of our common Caribbean identity.