West Indies Triumph a Giant Step Forward for Women in Sport – Grange

“Today is another giant step forward and great moment for women in sport especially for those of us from the Caribbean,” said Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport after the West Indies Women lifted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time in history.

The West Indies ladies defeated their Australian counterparts by eight wickets at Eden Gardens, India to claim their maiden hold on the prestigious trophy.

Powerful half-centuries from Hayley Matthews and skipper Stefanie Taylor setup a thrilling victory for the Caribbean side, achieved with three balls to spare.

“Our ladies have been outstanding throughout the entire T20 World Cup in India and deserve all the praise,” said Grange before adding “I must reserve special praise, though, for women’s team captain Stefanie Taylor who I know personally as a little girl growing up in Gordon Pen in my constituency.”

“As the first woman to lead the West Indies ladies to their first ever world title she’s now a part of history that can never be eclipsed.”

“I am also pleased to tell the country that I will be resuscitating and fast tracking plans for the Stefanie Taylor Oval at Eltham High School during our previous time in government prior to now.”

The Minister hopes today’s victory will inspire all players in the region to make West Indies great again.
“It’s a fantastic feeling that represents another important milestone in West Indies cricket that I hope will act as a catalyst to return the region to the top of world cricket,” the Minister said.