Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her government is aiming to use sport as a catalyst for national development, community cohesion, and economic growth.
She was speaking at the closing ceremony for the JAVA Cricket Programme at the Wilson Road Recreation Ground on Wednesday.
The programme, which took place over the July–August vacation at 47 venues across the country, saw young people between the ages of 7 and 17 learn cricket fundamentals while also engaging in life skills and educational activities.
The Prime Minister said: “Our aspiration is to create global champions in every sporting discipline through a carefully crafted programme which includes high-quality facilities, specialised experts, and a rigorous agenda of training and competition. We are trying to design a landscape to strive for excellence, celebrate the power and fellowship of teamwork, and foster national pride.”
Addressing the participants of the programme, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar encouraged the young cricketers to be brave in the face of adversity.
“Not every fall is to be ashamed of, because when we fall, we get back up again, and we fight, and we continue to fight and keep hope going. So if you dropped a ball, don’t worry, keep the hope and catch the next ball that comes your way, or take that cricket bat and hit it far out beyond the boundary.”