[Feedback]

[Site Map]

[Contact Us]

Another Saint Lucian Youth makes the West Indies team

Contact: Adhara King

Friday, September 02, 2011 – The sporting community is celebrating the accomplishment of Johnson Charles, a young cricketer who has become the second Saint Lucian to qualify for the West Indies Cricket team.     The cricketer who first consummated this feat, Darren Sammy, now captain of the West Indies team congratulated Johnson Charles for his achievement, during a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Youth & Sports.

Darren Sammy applauded the Youth & Sports Minister for responding to his concerns and providing the platform for young sports persons to excel, especially by increasing accessibility to practice facilities.

 “Right now we are seeing new interests being generated into sports- not only sports men and women looking to excel- but people in authority such as the Ministry of Youth & Sports and Sports Saint Lucia Inc.- the people who are in a position to push the youngsters, “ .

Darren Sammy cited the Elite Athlete Programme- an initiative of the Ministry to provide employment and support for aspiring professional athletes- as a catalyst in the development of young athletes.

Sports Minister, the Honourable Lenard Spider Montoute, who spoke at the ceremony, urged Johnson Charles to remain confident and determined and not allow external forces to deter or distract him.

 “We had people like Julian Charles, John Eugene, many Saint Lucians who came very close and possessed the talent, but just did not make it past that threshold into the West Indies team. I think that despite the fact that you did not make it to the West Indies team, you unlocked the door. Then came Darren Sammy who opened the door. And now, I think I can make a pronouncement that as of now we are going to see the procession of Saint Lucians going through that door.” Minister Montoute explained.

Minister Montoute reminisced on his first meeting with Johnson Charles, saying that he admired the young man's professionalism and drive from their first conversation.   A presentation was made to Johnson of an iPad, gym membership, and a cheque for equipment and supplies in support of his new endeavour.

 [Site Help]

© 2011 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.