Cricket West Indies cosigns Mottley’s call for regional unity

On the heels of CARICOM’s 49th gathering of Heads of Government in July, where Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley spoke as outgoing Chair, Cricket West Indies says that it fully endorses the call for unity and resilience articulated during her inspiring speech at the CWI and West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) Awards.

According to CWI, the Gala was held in Barbados on June 22.

The organization said that Mottley drew a poignant parallel between the current state of West Indies cricket and the legendary 1975 World Cup-winning team, which was honored during the ceremony.

She urged the region to summon the same determination that led to that historic victory, stating, “Just as every mountain peak has valleys, we can find the peak again. As sure that the joy of that 1975 team spread through the region then, it will spread through this region again.”

Words that the cricket collective says served as a rallying cry for renewed effort and regional pride.

Referencing the timeless wisdom of Rudyard Kipling, the poet behind “IF,” Mottley emphasized that resilience and attitude define the true spirit of the Caribbean people.

She quoted Kipling’s line, “‘If we can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters the same,’” highlighting that such resilience extends beyond the cricket field into all aspects of life. She is reported as further reflecting on the importance of humility and perseverance, urging leaders and citizens alike to support those who bring honor to the region, and to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.

“What I am really saying is that we have a responsibility as leaders, as people of the Caribbean, to ensure that those who walk the path to bring honour and glory to us, are given every opportunity to be the best that they can be,” she said.

In her capacity as then-Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister Mottley called for regional solidarity to strengthen West Indies cricket’s presence on the global stage, especially as it prepares for its re-entry into the 2028 Olympic Games.

Acknowledging past setbacks, she noted, “We have already been made a victim of too many instances of poor negotiating,” and emphasized the need for collective resolve.

“We now have to summon the will to pull the best that we can muster regionally, to make the case for defending our right to retain the integrity of West Indian cricket, which will celebrate 100 years in 2028,” she stated.

Addressing the players and the wider region, Mottley reportedly challenged them to demonstrate resilience and leadership, urging, “It is not where you stand, but it is always how you rise when adversity hits you, and the way you get up and play the next shot. If you can do that for us, then I believe honestly, that we will rise to the top again.”

For the cricket fraternity, her message resonated clearly: the time has come for the Caribbean to confront its challenges and reignite the fighting spirit that once made West Indies cricket the envy of the world.