West Indies U19s vaccinated ahead of England tour

Several members of the West Indies Rising Stars U19s team received their first doses of vaccinations against COVID-19 in Antigua, where they have been preparing for their upcoming tour of England.

Cricket West Indies (CWI), in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the support of the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), secured COVID-19 vaccines for all interested squad members between the ages of 16 and 18 who received parental consent.

CWI continues to support the efforts of regional governments to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with the West Indies Women’s team and West Indies Men’s team having received vaccines in recent months.

In a statement, CARPHA noted: “CARPHA is pleased to have worked with CARICOM to execute the United States Government donation of 5.5 million Pfizer vaccines to the Caribbean. This will facilitate the vaccination of young persons from 12 years of age, which was not possible before. This is crucial for protecting young people from severe illness and death.”

CWI’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Israel Dowlat again offered CWI’s appreciation of the support received on the vaccinations and their importance to the squad.

“CWI is fully committed to supporting the vaccination drive throughout the region. We are extremely grateful to have our governments and CARPHA who have been partnering with us to host cricket safely and to get our squads vaccinated.”

Skerritt and Shallow offer full support

CWI President Ricky Skerritt and Vice President Dr. Kishore Shallow have offered words of encouragement and support to the members of the West Indies Rising Stars U19s.

Skerritt also congratulated the players on their selection to the 18-member squad. He also reminded them of their responsibility to represent the people in the West Indies and to be ambassadors for the region on and off the field.

“We congratulate you on your selection to the West Indies Rising Stars U19 team for this tour. You have been chosen to represent the people of the West Indies and this is a great honour. This is a stage in your development we want to assure you that you have our full support as you embark on this stage of your journey,” Skerritt said.

“We want you to work hard, to support each other and always give us your best. You are from different countries, but you are now representing the West Indies and that is the most important thing.”

The West Indies Rising Stars U19s will be led by Ackeem Auguste, a left-handed top-order batsman.

The vice-captain is Giovonte Depeiza, a right-handed middle-order batsman who also bowls left-arm spin.

Guyanese Matthew Nandu and Isai Thorne have been selected in the 18-man squad.

The six matches will be played at The County Ground, Beckenham and The Polo Farm, Canterbury from Saturday, September 4 to Friday, September 17.

This is part of their preparations for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup to be hosted by CWI from January 4 to February 3, 2022. (CWI)