The Saint Lucia Kings returned home with their maiden Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) trophy on Monday night, following their historic title win in Guyana.
The Boys in Blue defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets in a nail-biting affair on Sunday.
Upon their arrival on island, the team was greeted by a welcoming party that included government ministers, tourism officials, and members of the media.
Among the dignitaries present at the event was Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir.
The Minister focused on the continued development of sport at the grassroots level. This development bore fruit for the Kings this year, as young players Ackeem Auguste, McKenny Clarke, and Shadrack Descartes were part of the squad for the professional franchise this season. Casimir lauded those involved in grooming the nation’s future stars.
“I want to really applaud all those who continue to make things work as it pertains to cricket and sport development in our country,” he noted. “We have a number of sponsors that always come on board and do what they need to do. And in sport, in the sport of cricket, Republic Bank continues to be that shining star.”
Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Thaddeus Antoine, expressed elation at the team’s performance and eventual victory.
“We at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority are very elated by the win, by the champions, the CPL champions of 2024,” Antoine said. “As you may know, the franchise in Saint Lucia is in great part here in Saint Lucia because the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority invests in your team. So we certainly believe that our investment goes a long way to ensure that we have a franchise in Saint Lucia.”
Shedding light on his team’s performance, Kings head coach Daren Sammy highlighted captain Faf du Plessis’ leadership and the presence of veteran coaching on the bench as vital to the franchise’s title-winning season.
“Faf led the team so well,” Sammy said. “With all the plans that we would put together, it was his job to make sure the guys executed out there on the field. And he did that so well.”
Preliminary discussions surrounding national celebrations of this title are underway, with announcements expected soon. Sammy, however, departed for Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The West white ball head coach, he will lead the Men In Maroon in an away series beginning next Tuesday.
