Today, we witness history. Roston Chase, a humble son of the soil, is now the 10th Barbadian to captain the West Indies team – an extraordinary milestone not just for him, but for every Barbadian who believes in discipline, dignity, and quiet determination.

From Teddy Hoad in 1929 during the inaugural home Test against England, to Frank Worrell, the first black man to captain the West Indies in a full series. He was a transformative figure for our region. To Garry Sobers, one of our two living national heroes and the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. Clyde Walcott, one of the immortal Three Ws. Desmond Haynes, steady and reliable at the helm, who served as an O.D.I captain.

We remember too Floyd Reifer, called to lead during a time of great challenge in 2009 when a players’ strike left a void — and it was to Barbados the region turned, because Barbados has always shown leadership, and dependability.

Then came the commanding presence of Jason Holder, the dogged resilience of Kraigg Brathwaite, and the finesse of Shai Hope, who is currently the captain of both white ball teams. And let us not forget Hayley Matthews, the dynamic captain of the West Indies Women’s team, whose fearless leadership and all-round brilliance continue to inspire a new generation of women and girls across the Caribbean.

And now, Roston.

Roston Chase stands tall among these giants. Not a flashy player, but one who quietly goes about his work. A man of effort, of persistence, of belief. In many ways, he represents the best of who we are — working hard, staying grounded, and trusting that reward comes not with noise, but with resolve.

And what a story Barbados continues to write: three West Indies Test captains, back-to-back-to-back. That is no coincidence. That is character. That is commitment. That is the culture of cricket in this country.

To Wesley Hall and Combermere Schools that have helped nurture him, I say — thank you.

To the coaches, at every level, who poured into him — thank you. To Roston’s parents, Margaret and Radcliffe, who have stood by him through every run, every spell, and every challenge — thank you for allowing your son to blossom.

And to Roston himself — thank you, for being in this moment.

As Chair of CARICOM, I want us to remember the words of our regional cricket anthem, words that echo a shared destiny:

“This Caribbean nation is rising fast, 
A sunbeam cutting through a clouded past.”

From Kingston to Kingstown, from Georgetown to Bridgetown, from Port of Spain to Castries, let us — every one of us — rally ’round the West Indies. (PR/GIS)