CARICOM salutes Chanderpaul

GEORGETOWN, Guyana– The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has saluted West Indies batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul for his latest accolades, including being given Guyana’s third highest national honour.

Guyana’s government conferred on the 34-year-old left-hander, the Cacique Crown of Honour last week for being “an outstanding citizen and a true role model for young persons all around the world” and CARICOM endorsed the decision.

“On behalf of the entire Caribbean Community, I salute you and wish you continued success in the years ahead,” CARICOM stated in a congratulatory letter to Chanderpaul, signed by its secretary-general Edwin Carrington.

“The government and people of Guyana have recognized your excellence at the national, regional and international levels by conferring on you the third highest national award,” CARICOM stated.

The Cacique Crown of Honour for Chanderpaul was announced last week Tuesday night by Guyana’s president Bharrat Jagdeo at a function at State House in the city ahead of him collecting Guyana’s 2008 Sportsman of the Year award and having a street named in his honour.

“We too in the Caribbean Community, celebrate your many successes especially because you have displayed humility, consistency, exemplary sportsmanship, and a commitment to teamwork and to the success of our beloved West Indies team. You have set yourself apart as a positive role model for youth and especially for young aspiring West Indian cricketers, and are a source of inspiration for all of us in the region.

Chanderpaul, the current World No.1 in the ICC Test batting rankings  was named World Cricketer-of-the-Year at the prestigious ICC Awards ceremony in September last year.

He was also named in the 2008 ICC World Test Team-of-the-Year.

During the voting period for the 2008 ICC Awards, Chanderpaul played eight Test matches, scoring 819 runs at an average of 91.00, including three hundreds and six 50s, all of which were against the top seven teams in the world.

Other highlights of Chanderpaul’s career include him serving as captain of the West Indies team and CARICOM is pleased that he is being adorned with honours.

“As if to disprove the old saying that a prophet goes without honour in his own country, the last week has also brought you the 2008 Guyana Sportsman of the Year Award, as well as the naming of the Shivnarine Chanderpaul Drive, which so aptly borders the historic Bourda Cricket Ground where your exploits on that famous ward have thrilled many over the years.

“The emergence of greatness is seldom attributable to chance. Discipline, dedication, focus, and skill, fanned by the fire of passion and determination, are at the core of such outstanding achievement,” CARICOM said.

Source: Stabroek News