RALPH BANWARIE
Streets and recreation grounds in the Sangre Grande area are to be named after Anisa Mohammed and Stacy Ann King in recognition of their achievements on the West Indies women's cricket team, which recently won the ICC World Cup.
This was announced at a function in their honour at the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Statutory monthly meeting which took place at the Council's Hall, yesterday.
The announcement was made by Terry Rondon, chairman of the Corporation, and got the approval of all councillors, aldermen the Ag CEO, administrative staff and members of the public.
Rondon said it was the duty of those in authority to recognise people who have made T&T and the West Indies proud internationally.
"We are the Women's T20 cricket champion, something that made all of us proud and put us on the world map. We should be grateful to these players and make them happy as they did in their splendid performance against four-time champions–Australia.
"No other country did it, West Indies has done it. It is a plus for us in this part of the world, so it is only fair to honour two of our female cricketers by giving back to them for their effort what they have made for Trinidad, especially Sangre Grande, a rural town that seldom gets the drive and resources to push and market the talented and gifted youths who live in these parts of Trinidad."
Rondon said he will lobby along with his councillors and other stakeholders to ensure that Mohammed and King, who reside in Sangre Grande, get their just reward. He said streets and roads are to be named after them in addition to providing homes and permanent employment in their field of discipline.
"We want the services of these two young ladies to remain in Sangre Grande so that they can use their skills to motivate others to follow in their footsteps and become champions also."
Rondon said before his term expires he will make every effort to have the street and road named after Mohammed and King.
"This venture will have an impact on young lives and will motivate them to strive for excellence."
All four T&T players on the West Indies team were invited to the function. Mohammed, King and Brittney Cooper attended while Melissa Aguilliera was absent.Rondon said he will also push to do the same for Cooper and Aguilliera.
Councillor Barry Lochan, vice chairman, supported Rondon, and added that after all the glory, these players still had a life to live and needed jobs, homes, etc.