The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association wishes to congratulate 14-year-old female cricketer Zaida James who was called up to join the Senior Windward Islands Women’s Cricket Team, which is currently in Guyana contesting the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Super 50 and subsequently the T/20 Blaze.
She has created history by becoming the first female to gain selection at the Windward Islands level at such a tender age.
By all reports, Zadia left the island on Tuesday 26th March 2019 along with her mother, Debbie James who has provided an exemplary level of maternal support and guidance to her. Her father, Darren James has also been a pillar of strength and attends every cricket activity the young Zadia participates in.
Like Qiana Joseph, Zadia, the multi-talented left arm seam bowler and left handed middle order batter was 13 years old when she gained selection on the SLNCA’s Senior National Women’s Cricket Team and was outstanding in the 2018 inaugural Windward Islands Women Cricket Tournament played at Mabouya Valley and the Phillip Marcelin playing field in Vieux Fort.
Moreover, she was selected for the Windward Islands U-19 Women’s Cricket team which will participate in the Trinidad and Tobago T/20 Invitational from April 16th – 22nd, 2019.
Zaida is a recipient of the CWI, SLNCA, Scotia Kiddy’s Cricket programme and worked tirelessly with the Kiddy’s Cricket Coaches at the Carmen Renee Memorial and the Forestierre Methodist Primary Schools where she grasped the basic skills and knowledge of the sport.
She made her debut in the SLNCA’s domestic competition in 2015, representing the South Castries Women’s Cricket Team along with her twin sister, Janina James in the inaugural Kenneth Arthur Domestic League, which was played at the Vige Playing Field in Vieux Fort North. As expected; Zaida made the transition from the soft ball to hard ball Cricket under the watchful eyes of former West Indies All-rounder, National Female Coach and Trainer Philippa Thomas-Eudovic and was later referred to the John Eugene Academy.
She continued playing with the South Castries Lionesses and often opposed her contemporary Windward Islands teammates; Swayline Williams, Qiana Joseph and providing much needed support to her South Castries Captain, Nerissa Crafton, joining the rank of all-rounders. It is Zaida’s positive attitude, coupled with continuous parental support, commitment and an affirmative nurturing environment in the South Castries setting which has propelled her achievements today.
The SLNCA hopes that Zaida’s selection will serve as a source of inspiration and intrinsic motivation to the many young ladies who are currently attending the ongoing SLNCA’s World T/20 Legacy, U-17 Women Cricket Development Programme sponsored by WINLOT and Jennifer Nero who has provided some playing Uniforms.
SLNCA took the time out to wish Zaida the very best in her sporting and academic careers as the two must complement each other and she must manage her time effectively to create a balance.
SLNCA wishes to thank all individuals who have supported her over the past years and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports for the opportunity afforded her to measure the male prowess in the recently concluded, Massy United Insurance, U-19 School Cricket Competition. Bravo Zaida, roar louder with the bat and ball and perform to your true potential.