St. Vincent grants citizenship to surviving members of 1975 West Indies World Cup team

The parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Monday passed a bill offering citizenship to the surviving members of the West Indies cricket team that won the inaugural 1975 One Day International (ODI) World Cup.

- Advertisement -

The legislation allows the 12 surviving members of the legendary team to apply for Vincentian citizenship without meeting the usual requirements, such as residency or economic contribution. Applicants need only submit a written request to the minister responsible for citizenship.

The team included renowned cricketers Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, and Michael Holding, among others.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves presented the bill, saying it aims to formally recognize the team’s significant contribution to cricket and Caribbean culture. He highlighted that citizenship by birth, marriage, residency, or economic contribution typically govern nationality laws in SVG, but this bill creates a special pathway for the cricket legends.

Gonsalves noted that citizenship under this bill does not automatically confer citizenship but grants the right to apply for it. Those who become citizens can also apply for a Vincentian passport and may purchase land without needing an alien landholding license.

The bill passed despite opposition lawmakers abstaining from the vote, citing concerns about politicizing the region’s cricket heroes.

The Prime Minister framed the move as part of efforts to uplift the spirit of West Indies cricket, which has declined in recent years. He said the 1975 World Cup team holds a special place in Caribbean memory, having won the first two ODI World Cups, although the region’s cricket performance has since waned.

Gonsalves referenced support from the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, and confirmed that the 1975 team’s captain, Clive Lloyd, has expressed interest in acquiring Vincentian citizenship.

The government hopes the bill will receive unanimous support in parliament as a tribute to the team’s legacy and to set an example for the region.