CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, July 14, 2010 (Press Release) - The victorious Nevis team—the inaugural winners of the Leeward Islands T-20 tournament was toasted to a celebration fit for kings when the Premier of Nevis hosted a cocktail reception in their honour.
The event took place last evening at the enchanting Pinneys Beach Hotel. Even though the Premier himself and other members of his cabinet had other prior engagements, they were present in significant numbers. The gathering included members of cabinet, Advisors to the Government, senior government officials, members of the Nevis Cricket Association and a host of cricket enthusiasts.
The event was ably chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Alsted Pemberton and commenced with an invocation delivered by Mr. Llewellyn Parris.
During his opening remarks, Mr. Pemberton asked for a standing ovation for the winning team and got a spontaneous response. He also congratulated the entire make up of the Nevis Cricket Association, including the selectors, umpires and groundsmen for their hard work. He was also quick to mention the significant support work being given by the Ministry of Sports and noted that the Manager, Coach and Trainer of the Nevis team, all worked within the Ministry of Sports.
President of the Nevis Cricket Association Mr. Ronald Powell noted that he Nevis team always had talent but indicated that his Association very quickly noted that there was a disciplinary problem and put measures in place to arrest the problem. This included the established code of conduct and a disciplinary committee that has functioned well. He further stated that the Association also endeavoured to stay close to the team. He was quick to point out also that the last win by a Nevis team was quite some time back under his captaincy and indicated that he got very good directives from the Hon Carlyse Powell who had a successful stint as President of the Nevis Crciket Association and publicly thanked him for his guidance.
Minister of Sports, Hon Hensley Daniel was quick to link the significance of the victory to the fact that the NRP led administration is at the same time celebrating four years in government.
He indicated that his government regards sports as a very critical part of the development of the country. He reiterated his considered opinion that Nevis has the most test cricketers per square mile, anywhere in the world. He however expressed disappointment in the fact that he still does not see the cricketers doing as much running and general training as is necessary for persons who want to make it to the top and asked Trainer Masefield Nisbett to ensure that this area is improved.
He also hinted to the cricketers that just as Grove Park will be renamed in honour of Elquemedo Willet, so too, once they excel, they too will be honoured in due course.
Captain of the team, Tonito Willet played one of hi best T-20 innings ever His speech was short and to the point and he was eloquent in his delivery as he expressed thanks to God, to the Association and to all who had helped to make the victory possible.
“I am very much honoured to be a part of this very talented and properly gelled team….we just felt the energy from all players, Manager, Coach and Trainer that this team was hungry for victory and a team that believed that championship was possible…….and I would also bravely say that this is the beginning of more championships”.
He received rapturous applause.
Premier Joseph Parry spoke passionately as he first of all expressed disappointment that the present day cricketers were not versed on their cricketing history—especially their local cricketing history. He explained that in speaking to one of the players, there was noted surprise when he expressed that he had served as President and in other capacities for the local crciket Association and even at the West Indies board level. He urged that this be rectified with urgency, as the cricketers need to know their history and made a special appeal to President Ronald Powell to make sure that this was done.
He also lauded the contributions of the cricketers who have made it to the top from Nevis and applauded the work they would have done as ambassadors in selling and promoting the country. He told the cricketers that Willet will receive his honour first but that all of the other cricketers who have made it to the West Indies team would also receive their reward in due course.
He told the cricketers that talent alone won’t do it. It has to be nurtured. He expressed that discipline and sacrifice were necessary in order to make it to the top. He congratulated the cricketers for a really great victory and implored them to continue in their winning ways.
The cricketers later posed for a photo shoot with the imposing trophy, prior to disposing of the variety of delicacies on hand.
