SXMElections.com

PHILIPSURG – Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs, on behalf of the Government and people of St. Maarten, congratulated the West Indies female and male cricket teams, who both emerged victorious in their respective final matches held in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 finals held in India.

“Congratulations also goes out to the St. Maarten Cricket Association and local cricketers and fans as you continue to promote cricket right here on St. Maarten,” stated Minister Jacobs.

“It is indeed a historical moment for the West Indies, who earlier this year also experienced victory with their U19 team, which included our very own Keacy Carty. Through that historical moment, and Keacy’s contribution, St. Maarten was also put on the cricket map. As a Caribbean region, the government recognizes that cricket can be seen as a means to promote more Caribbean unity within the region,” continued the Minister.

“The historical victory of the female team in their maiden voyage to the ICC Twenty20 can be seen as a great example of gender equality in sports as well for the Caribbean region, which we HOPE to emulate here on St. Maarten. It allows us to HOPE that our youth, both boys and girls, will have every opportunity to train, play and elevate themselves as high as their sport allows locally, regionally and internationally,” said Minister Jacobs.

Noteworthy is that the layer of women’s final match is 18-year-old Hayley Mathew, who made her debut in these championships. “The successes of Carty and Mathew can serve as inspiration for all young boys and girls throughout the Caribbean region to work hard, train hard, be disciplined and courageous as they pursue their dreams. #YesYouthCan,” she said.

“The first few months of 2016 have proven to be very successful for the West Indies in the cricket world and we congratulate them on this historical victory. We wish the Windies continued success,” Minister Jacobs concluded.