Jack rescues women cricketers

THE Warner Group of Companies headed by FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner has made a contribution of US$33,000 to the West Indies Women’s Cricket Federation to ensure their participation in the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. According to Federation official Carol Whilby-Maxwell, Warner’s input came just at a time to ease any off the field headaches the women’s team would have faced ahead of their opening match against defending champions New Zealand on March 22. “I, on behalf of the West Indies Women’s Cricket Federation would just like to say how grateful we are towards Mr Warner for his contribution,” she said.

“Even though we have had other contributors, without his input at the last minute, it would have been extremely difficult for us to concentrate fully and do some other things at this stage.” Whilby-Maxwell was speaking from St Lucia yesterday as the team engaged in a training camp in Barbados. “Mr Warner has saved us from further embarrassment. He really is our saviour and we can now say for sure that we are going to the World Cup,” Whilby-Maxwell added. Among the other contributors was the Government of Trinidad and Tobago which put forward US$27,000.

“Something had to be done to ensure that our team, which would be representing the region, gets to South Africa and be able to play in the World Cup. I therefore felt I should act accordingly and make this trip possible and the ladies can now go on and concentrate fully on their on-field aspirations,” Warner stated. The CONCACAF President wished the team well ahead of their departure to South Africa tomorrow. Warner will also travel to South Africa to witness one of the team’s fixtures during which time he will meet with former South African president Nelson Mandela and current President Thebo Mbeki. This latest contribution to cricket from Warner comes on the heels of his $750,000 sponsorship of the Joe Public Munroe Road Cricket Club and  $50,000 per year for three years to the South East Cricket Zone.