On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend (from Belize where I am currently on mission with a Caricom Secretariat team), warmest congratulations to Captain Jimmy Adams and his team for the outstanding West Indies victory over Pakistan in the third and final Test Match in Antigua.
That the victory clinched the Test Series makes it all the more remarkable.
This achievement comes on the eve of the regional Cricket Conference in Barbados on June 1 – 2, 2000 where the focus will be on the future of West Indies cricket and preparations for World Cup 2007 to be hosted in this Region by the West Indies Cricket Board.
The performance of the West Indies team against Zimbabwe and now against Pakistan has been most heart warming and has rekindled the enthusiasm and hopes of the entire Region, including its supporters in the diaspora.
In congratulating the entire team, we pay particular tribute to Captain Adams for his outstanding leadership of the team and especially for his sterling Captain’s innings and display of character and determination during the nerve-wracking final stages of the Test Match, which was so reminiscent of the innings played by his predecessor Brian Lara against Australia in Barbados in 1998.
As the West Indies team embarks on its tour of England this summer, the Region has high expectations that the quality of team spirit and high level of performance under Captain Adams and the team’s management will be sustained.
The very best wishes for continued success.
