KINGSTON, Jamaica – It was announced earlier this week that The Government of Jamaica has named former West Indies captain Christopher Gayle and present captain of the West Indies Women’s Team Stafanie Taylor as recipients of 6th highest honour which can be bestowed on any Jamaican national, the Order of Distinction.
This prestigious honour will be presented at the Jamaican National Awards Ceremony on National Heroes’ Day, October 16, 2017. Mr Gayle and Miss Taylor are among a handful of individuals to receive this medal who come from the field of cricket.
Mr Gayle, the tall and imposing Jamaican, made his debut for the national team at age 19. He impressed the selectors of the West Indies and was called up to the senior team a mere year later. He stamped his place in the team at the top of the batting order and amassed high score after high score. Mr Gayle holds the record for being the first international player to score a century in each of the three formats of the game. He also is one of only four cricketers who amassed scores of 300 or more twice in Test Match cricket.
Miss Taylor who is the ten time CWI/WIPA Women’s Player of the Year, has the esteemed privilege of being the first female cricketer to receive this honour. The 26 year old from Spanish Town, St Catherine made her debut at the age of 17 years and quickly rose to success. In 2011, she was named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and currently ranks as the number one T20I all-rounder and second in the 50 over format of the game.
WIPA President & CEO, Wavell Hinds offered his congratulations on behalf of himself, the WIPA board, staff and all members. He said “On behalf of WIPA, our board, staff and members we would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Chris Gayle and Stafanie Taylor. To be recognized from the land of one’s birth for your contribution to your country, fills one with immense pride and joy. Both Chris and Stafanie have exhibited themselves to be exemplar on and off the cricket field and are deserving of this honour.”
