Sports minister hails cricket’s ‘immense promise’ for youth development

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

Sports Minister Samal Duggins has highlighted the importance of sports development to St Kitts and Nevis, and believes cricket especially possesses “immense promise” for the enhancement of young people.

Speaking during a meeting with Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew and Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Dr Kishore Shallow on Wednesday, Duggins said the country understood the “transformative potential” of the sports sector and would continue to collaborate with CWI in the hosting of tournaments.

“At the heart of our nation’s vision for youth empowerment and sporting excellence lies a profound commitment to sports development,” Duggins said.

“Sports development stands as a key aspect of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Island State agenda, offering invaluable avenues for our youth to progress in personal development, bolstering their self-esteem, fostering international exposure, and honing essential team-building skills among other essential life skills.

“With cricket being one of the leading sports in our region, the increasing opportunity within this sport holds immense promise for our young people.

“The introduction of these tournaments signals a gateway to deeper collaboration and partnership between CWI and Saint Kitts and Nevis.”

St Kitts has emerged as a leading hub for regional cricket in recent years with both regional age group, first class and international cricket being played in the country.

At the moment, St Kitts is currently playing host to the Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze which bowled off March 4 and wraps up March 25.

Drew also hailed the achievements of Kittitian cricketers Jahzara Claxton, 17, who recently turned out for West Indies Women-A and West Indies Under-19s, and 23-year-old Mikyle Louis who scored a century in each innings of the West Indies Championship second round match for Leeward Islands Hurricanes last month.

“Jahzara has carved out a name for herself as a standout member of the Barbados Royals Women and the West Indies Female Under-19 cricket teams,” Drew said.

“Jahzara’s distinction as the first female from the Leeward Islands to earn selection to the West Indies Under-19 squad is a testament to her unwavering commitment and talent.

He continued: “Equally deserving of recognition is Mikyle Louis, a 23-year-old Kittitian cricketer whose recent debut in the West Indies Regional Cricket Championship at Warner Park left an indelible mark.

“Mikyle’s remarkable achievement of scoring consecutive centuries, with scores of 113 and 130 on the second and third days of the tournament, speaks to his skill, dedication, and determination.

“I applaud him wholeheartedly for his outstanding performance.”