Jack congratulates victorious WI cricket team, Olympic athletes

Jack Warner has congratulated the West Indies Cricket Team for "a magnificent series victory" against New Zealand on Sunday. (Read the cricket story)

The acting Sports Minister, who is also acting Prime Minister, extended "hearty" congratulations on behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

He said, "The wins of 2-0 in the T20’s, 4-1 in the One-Day’s and now 2-0 in the Tests are significant as they show a consistency of form in this long-awaited victory against a major team."

Warner added, "The performance proves what we have always believed; that our cricketers have the talent and skill to deliver and that when it is harnessed and focused properly we are a force to be reckoned with.

"It is my hope, as I am sure cricket fans will agree, that it is important to work on maintaining and building on the synergy and momentum of this last campaign so that West Indies cricket can continue to the climb to glory.

"In the meantime, our regional cricketers should feel proud of their achievement as we are proud of them. They have given us moments of joy and given us hope of a brighter future for the sport."

The minister also congratulated Lalonde Gordon, the T&T finalist in the men’s 400 meters who clocked a personal best of 44.58 seconds in an impressive run Sunday at the Olympic Games in London.

Trinidad and Tobago's Lalonde Gordon (2nd R) finishes first ahead of Sudan's Rabah Yousif (L), Russia's Pavel Trenikhin (2nd L) and Australia's Steven Solomon in the men's 400m semi-final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 5, 2012.

He also expressed the government's pride in Richard Thompson, the 7th fastest man in the world in the 100 meters, and Njisane Phillip, who has also been progressing very well in the cycle sprint.

"Our athletes continue to represent our country with pride and distinction and for that we are ever grateful as a nation. They fly the Red, White and Black on the international stage and each time they do they remind the world of our presence and that we are among the best," Warner stated.

"As for those who were unsuccessful in capturing medals in their respective events, we are still inspired by their efforts and we are confident they will do well the next time around.

"On behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, we wish our athletes all the best in their upcoming Olympic events and we remind them that having reached thus far is a tremendous accomplishment."