``I am happy the West Indies tour of South Africa is on. The cricketers must now play to the best of their abilities and compete well against the South Africans,'' the Minister said in Jampress release.

The Minister spoke after news broke that the West Indies cricket team, as originally selected, will travel to Joannesburg, South Africa, for the tour.

Reacting to the news that Brian Lara and Carl Hooper were reinstated as captain and vice captain, respectively, she said: ``Cricket fans across the West Indies and South Africa ought to be happy that they will be able to see the best of what West Indies cricketers have to offer at this time, on this significant and very important tour of South Africa.''

``The sport has served as a significant way of uniting the people of the West Indies and at this time we cannot afford to destroy that bond that currently exists,'' she noted.

``Our sportsmen have continued to commit themselves to serve our region well and as much support that can be given to our cricketers by fans across the world at large, should be given at this time,'' Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

The Sport Minister wished the team ``good luck''.