2 weeks ago
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KINGSTOWN – Two giants of West Indies cricket, Sir Andy Roberts and Deryck Murray, have expressed heartfelt thanks to the people and government of St Vincent and the Grenadines after being honoured during the island’s Emancipation Cricket Festival.
The duo, part of the West Indies’ 1975 World Cup-winning team, said they were honoured to have the majestic ‘double decker’ stand at Arnos Vale renamed the Legends Stand, and to be granted Vincentian citizenship.
“I am not really someone who worries too much about these kinds of things, but I’m truly touched,” said Sir Andy, the legendary Antiguan fast bowler who was pivotal to West Indies’ rise in the 1970s.
“To be honoured in this way, on a ground away from my home country, is a tremendous honour. It shows how cricket can unite our region.
“I have been coming to St Vincent for a very long time, and this is the best time I have spent there. Thank you to the Vincentian people. This means a lot to us.”
Sir Andy also took part in a youth cricket clinic for close to 100 children aged six to 19 alongside fellow legends, where he spent time offering tips to young fast bowlers.
“To see the eyes of young boys and girls light up when you share a tip, or show them how to grip the ball, that’s priceless. If even one of them believes in themselves a little more after this, it was worth the trip,” Sir Andy said.
Meanwhile, former West Indies wicketkeeper and vice-captain His Excellency Deryck Murray, a key architect behind the team’s success in the 1975 campaign, also expressed his gratitude.
“It’s a humbling moment. You play the game never thinking about what might come decades later, but this recognition in St Vincent, the stand, the citizenship offer, the love from the children, it’s deeply moving,” Murray admitted.
“We came here to share our knowledge. We hope the young cricketers we met were able to benefit. We also hope this is something that continues in St Vincent and the Grenadines and across the region.”
CMC
English (US) ·