Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow hasnextended his warmest congratulations to Vice-President Azim Bassarath and former West Indies spinner and double T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree on their remarkable achievement of receiving the prestigious Hummingbird Medal (HBM) Gold Award at the 2023 National Awards of Trinidad & Tobago.

The awards ceremony took place on Sunday, 24 September, at the historic President's House in St Ann's, Port-of-Spain.

 The Hummingbird Medal Gold Award is one of Trinidad & Tobago's highest honors, recognizing exceptional contributions and achievements in various fields. Vice President Bassarath's and Badree’s outstanding dedication and contributions to the sport of cricket have earned them this well-deserved recognition in the highest grade of the HBM.

 President Shallow expressed his pride in Vice President Bassarath’s accomplishments, saying, "I am delighted to congratulate Vice President Azim Bassarath on receiving the Hummingbird Medal Gold award. His commitment to cricket and his tireless efforts in promoting the sport have been instrumental in our pursuit of excellence at CWI. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the game not only in Trinidad & Tobago but at a regional level."

"Since his election in March 2023, Vice President Azim Bassarath has been an integral part of the CWI leadership team, playing a pivotal role in the development of cricket. Over the years, he has been a champion of Women’s cricket, ensuring a robust development programme exists in Trinidad and Tobago."

The CWI President continued: "Samuel Badree has etched his name on the pages of history as a member of the victorious T20 World Cup squads in 2012 and 2016. No doubt, he continues to make an invaluable contribution to the sport through his academy, coaching, and commentary, inspiring a new generation of players.

"Badree founded and operates the Badree’s Academy of Sports Education (BASE), which facilitates over 100 children in Trinidad and Tobago. He continues to be an ambassador for his country as a commentator in global events such as World Cups, CPL, IPL and for West Indies Home Internationals. Badree is a level three coach and works as a mentor to West Indies spinners. The Hummingbird Medal Gold Award of Trinidad & Tobago is a fitting tribute to Vice President Bassarath and Badree’s remarkable achievements and their dedication to cricket. It serves as an inspiration to all cricket enthusiasts and showcases the profound impact that cricket has on the Caribbean community.

" CWI extends its heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Azim Bassarath and Samuel Badree on this prestigious accolade and looks forward to their continued contributions to the development and success of West Indies cricket."

For their many years of exemplary service to the sport of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago, cricket administrator Azim Bassarath and former player Samuel Badree received the Hummingbird Medal Gold at the twin-island republic’s National Awards Ceremony held on Sunday at President’s House.

The Hummingbird Medal may be awarded to any person (citizen as well as non-citizen) who has rendered loyal and devoted service beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago in any field of human endeavour or for gallantry or other humane action.

It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze in accordance with the assessed level of the service rendered.

Bassarath, the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Vice President of Cricket West Indies was recognized for his work as a cricket administrator. When he became CWI Vice President in March this year, Bassarath became the first administrator from the country to serve in that role.

Under his watch, Trinidad and Tobago has produced some of that country’s finest cricketers including Kieron Pollard and Badree, who was honoured for his work in sport and education.

Badree, who is also now a commentator, was a member of West Indies' T20 World Cup winning teams in 2012 and 2016. The 42-year-old former leg spinner has also been an educator for over two decades and is the chairman of Badree’s Academy of Sport Education.

Badree has also served as an administrator and is a former secretary of the south zone cricket council of the TTCB.