Carl Hooper proved himself a capable captain

The�Windies may have been assisted by a somewhat complacent South African side who already had the series won.

They were guilty of costly, out of character lapses in the field and were unable to find the inspiration to mount the type of fightbacks in their batting that have made them such a respected outfit.

They made a poor showing in their first innings, when they were all out for 141, and from then, they were vulnerable�as they had to bat last on a strip that was a pretty good one but did offer the bowlers some encouragement.

Despite that, Shaun Pollock became the first captain to lift the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy and the West Indies were losers for the third consecutive series. That won't be forgotten in the Caribbean.

To the overall victors, the spoils

If, however, by breaking a sequence of 13 Tests without a win - including nine losses in 11 - it is a springboard to greater consistency by the West Indies, then yes, the win has meaning.

They fought on equal terms for the first nine days of the series before their batting and fielding faltered and a resulting loss of confidence and inability to exert or withstand pressure cost them the series.

Perhaps, with continued effort and structural changes in the way cricket is played in the region, a world class side may emerge once more.

Carl Hooper's captaincy was excellent on the final day - as it had been for the majority of the series. He was not afraid to be innovative and change his team to suit conditions.

Ramnarine took 20 wickets in the series

Despite that, leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine played the entire series, the first time a spinner has done so since the legendary Lance Gibbs retired.

Belief in the potential of a group of young and talented players has been evident as well.

Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Ramneresh Sarwan and Mervyn Dillon should all be part of the squad for years to come.

Honing their skills and building overall consistent mental toughness will be the challenge for their captain and team management.

Last but not least, the Jamaica Test will be remembered as Courtney Walsh's last in the Caribbean.

As usual, he gave it everything and took his overall tally to 519 Test wickets, helping the Windies to a 130-run win.

It was the perfect farewell after 17 years of exemplary service.