‘What better candidate could we have?’
Former JCA boss congratulates Simpson-Miller on Hall of Fame nod
Published:Wednesday | October 23, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FORMER PRIME Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, who headed a list of local and international 2024 inductees into the Cricket Hall of Fame, was yesterday recognised for her achievement by the organisation at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.
On October 5, Simpson-Miller and 12 other nominees were inducted at an official ceremony in Hartford, Conneticut.
However, on Tuesday, the organisation took time to hail the former head of state for her contribution to regional and local cricket.
“October 5th, we inducted the honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, former prime minister of Jamaica, into the hall and it was a big deal for us at the hall.
“When we look back, the honourable lady has done a lot for cricket, especially when she brought back Chris Gayle (to West Indies cricket).
“When we did the analysis, we saw that, as a result of Chris Gayle coming back, T20 exploded (regionally).
“So we gave her credit and, this evening, we will present her certificate and citation from the state of Connecticut,” said Micheal Chambers, executive director of The Cricket Hall of Fame
“I declare that, as of October 5, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-MIller was inducted into the Hall of Fame, with all the honours and privileges,” he added.
Former Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president Lindell Wright, who received the plaque from the Hall of Fame, a certificate from the mayor of Hartford, and a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly, on behalf of Simpson-Miller, believes the former prime minister is deserving of the honour.
“To be a Hall of Famer is an achievement worthy to speak of. This afternoon is also a very special occasion as Cricket Hall of Fame has recognised the work of our former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller and has inducted her into the institution.
“Sorry she is not here to share the occasion, but what better candidate could we have than our former prime minister?
“A lady of high statute. Someone who has worked hard, not just for cricket but people in general in Jamaica. The occasion is most important as we recognise our former prime minister,” said, Wright, who is also a Hall of Famer.
Simpson-Miller was one of three international inductees. The others are United Arab Emirates’ player Abdul Razzaq and Jamaican cricket coach and administrator, Courtney Daley.
The local inductees include Grace Carrington, Peter Jolly, Dennis Heath, Leon Francis, Trevor Smith, Mayor Sydney Schulman, Lincoln Harricharan and Sudesh Jaggerssar.