PRESIDENT of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Dr Julian Hunte, has praised the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) for its recent success at various levels within the region.

Dr Hunte was speaking at the Pegasus Gardens in Kingston at a function last Thursday to honour the achievements of Jamaica’s cricketers.

“It is fair that the WICB congratulates the Jamaica Cricket Association, and it (their achievements) could not have happened by accident. I’m convinced that a lot of work is going into the organisation and development of Jamaica’s cricket and as such, they’re now reaping the rewards,” he said.

Jamaica has won the last three four-day domestic cricket championships, as well as last season’s under-19 three-day and limited-overs competitions.

The under-15s are currently in Trinidad and Tobago trying to emulate their seniors in winning a third successive title.

“The ‘three-peat’ signifies the consistency in which they have gone about their work, even at the grassroots level, because that is where it starts,” Dr Hunte added.

He said other territorial boards could try to pick up tips from the JCA in order to improve their cricket and become more competitive.

“(The JCA)… should continue to show us the way and I think some of the other territorial boards are aware of the need for them to step up to the plate.

“We’ll ask persons here to find out how best that message can be conveyed to the rest of the Caribbean to stop this one-sided affair. We will want to know that a strong Jamaica will mean a strong West Indies (team),” he said.

Meanwhile, JCA president Paul Campbell told the Observer his organisation is committed to making Caribbean cricket a powerful force in the world.

“It’s good to be in this position to hear persons endorsing Jamaica’s programme. We have set out on a path to ensure that we play our role in putting West Indies cricket at the pinnacle of world cricket. We’re so happy and committed to drive the process and continue on that path,” he said.

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange also paid tribute to the local administration for being able to guide the island to such major achievements and re-asserted the Government’s pledge to support the sport.

“Cricketers at all levels have been making Jamaica proud with their performances. I really want to congratulate president Paul Campbell and his team for doing such a great job. I want to make a pledge tonight that I’m here for you and I’m here for Jamaica’s cricket,” said Grange.

Senior team captain Tamar Lambert, while lauding the work of coach Junior Bennett, technical director James Adams and fitness trainer David Bernard Snr, thanked his players for making his job less difficult.

“Some of us have been playing together from 1996 so my job becomes easier on and off the field… it’s a pleasure playing with them. The JCA has supported the team and we’ll continue to work hard so that we can win four (straight).

“It’s still a long way to go and we’d like to see our success pushing the players of the West Indies cricket team,” said the 28-year-old.