THE West Indies T20 cricket series victory over Bangladesh in that country on Friday is more than just a welcome sporting triumph — it is a moment of collective relief, joy, and pride for a region that continues to prove its resilience in the face of adversity.

Chasing 152 for victory the maroon-clad men, led by stand-in Captain Mr Roston Chase, lost just five wickets to win the third and final match and sweep the series.

Mr Chase was deservedly named Player of the Match for his knock of 50 off 29 deliveries while anchoring a crucial, 91-run, fourth-wicket stand with Mr Ackeem Auguste who scored an explosive 50 from 25 balls with five sixes and a boundary. Their pace bowling teammate Mr Romario Shepherd, who claimed a hat-trick in the match, was named Player of the Series.

As the West Indies celebrated their win on the field, many across the Caribbean found reason to cheer, especially Jamaicans struggling to rebuild lives and communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Cricket has always been more than a game in the West Indies. It is a thread that ties our scattered islands together, a vessel for our identity, and a source of pride that transcends boundaries and generations. When the West Indies perform well, the entire region feels the lift. That is why this series win, though modest in the broader context of world cricket, carries a deeper emotional weight. It is a symbol of hope and determination — qualities that Caribbean people have shown time and again, on and off the field.

We must, however, temper our joy with realism. This victory is a positive step forward but the journey to restoring the immense pride once associated with West Indies cricket is far from complete. The glory days of dominant West Indies teams still serve as reminders of what is possible when talent, discipline, and unity come together under one flag. Today’s T20 team has shown flashes of that brilliance — moments of aggression with the bat, discipline with the ball, and a renewed sense of togetherness. Yet, consistency remains the elusive ingredient that separates promise from greatness.

For the players, this is a moment to celebrate but also to reflect. The passion of the Caribbean public is unmatched, but so too are their expectations. A series win against Bangladesh should serve as a platform — not a pinnacle — from which to build toward more dominant performances on the world stage. The regional cricket authorities, selectors, and coaches must continue to nurture young talent, emphasise professionalism, and create an environment that allows the best of West Indies cricket to flourish once again.

Still, at this moment, the importance of the victory cannot be overstated. Jamaica, in particular, has been through a difficult period. Hurricane Melissa left behind a trail of destruction, taking lives, displacing families, damaging infrastructure, and testing the resolve of communities. In such times, the joy of sport becomes a balm — a small but meaningful reminder that even when nature or circumstance deals a cruel blow, the Caribbean spirit cannot be
broken.

So let us salute the West Indies team. Their triumph may not yet mark a full return to the summit of international cricket but it offers something just as valuable right now — belief. Belief that we can rise again, that unity and effort can yield reward, and that even amid hardship, there remains cause for celebration.