PM Mottley lauds Haynes on achievement

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has congratulated former Barbados and West Indies batting great Desmond Haynes on his induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.

She described Haynes as a most able ambassador for Barbados and the region both on and of the field of play and described the accolade he has received as most deserving.

“While today may not represent our finest moment in the game, Barbados and the rest of the English-speaking portion of the region, a population of a mere six million, has produced such a comprehensive pantheon of international cricketing greats that we will continue to stand tall across the cricket world for many decades to come.

“It is against this background, as a forever proud Caribbean citizen, that I offer, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, hearty congratulations to retired Barbados and West Indies batting genius Desmond Haynes on his elevation to the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.

“Desmond, a master batsman who demonstrated year after year for a decade and a half on the West Indies team how to skillfully play the new ball on a fresh wicket against whatever the rest of the cricket world could throw at us, remains, at 65, a most fitting example of how we can play the balls of life today.

“From the humble beginnings on the pasture at Holders Hill and the beach at Paynes Bay in St. James, through hard work and a determination to succeed, Desmond rose to the pinnacle of world cricket — while being a most able ambassador for his country and the region, both on and off the field. There is no one more deserving today of a place in the ICC’s Hall of Fame,” she said.

Mottley added: “I recommend the story of Desmond Leo Haynes to every Barbadian youth, for while he was born with no silver spoon, history, as the ultimate teacher, has shown quite vividly that for him, the old saying ‘Don’t let your starting point determine your finish line’, was no cliché.

“Whether representing Barbados, the West Indies, Scotland, Middlesex or Western Province; whether playing at Kensington Oval, The MCC, Old Trafford or at Lahore; whether batting in a Barbados Cricket Association competition, a regional tournament, international Test match or One-Day International, he always brought his A-game. And the statistics tell the story: 116 Test matches — 7,487 runs; 238 One-Day Internationals — 8,648 runs; and 376 first-class matches — 26,030 runs.

“Today, more than a quarter-century since your last Test match in 1994, you continue to make us proud. Barbados and this region will forever owe you an immense debt of gratitude for your long and outstanding service to us.”