Antigua unveils statue of Sir Viv

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Former West Indies cricket captain and Antigua national hero, Sir Vivian Richards, says he feels privileged to have a statue unveiled in his honour.

The unveiling occurred Friday at a ceremony in Antigua attended by a number of dignitaries including past cricketers.

“It’s not often you see impressions you think look real and for the gift itself being a brand of Cuba itself, I am very pleased,” declared Richards, arguably the world’s greatest batsman of his era.

“I am privileged and over the moon to be in such a position”.

Sir Viv stands next to his statue
Sir Viv stands next to his statue

The statue was unveiled at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds, venue of the current One Day International (ODI) series between West Indies and England.

Officials say it will remain at the venue as a tourist attraction.

Meantime the Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer says he is humbled to be head of the government at a time when such tribute is being paid to Richards.

The Prime Minister described Sir Viv as a player whose fearless aggression has put Antigua and Barbuda on the international map.

“It humbles me to be the Prime Minister who honours this man, though when it comes to King Viv I am just an ordinary citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who is proud to call him one of us,” said Prime Minister Spencer.

“But where will the next Master Blaster come from? Which young boy or girl here today will grow up to strike fear into the hearts of bowlers around the world when he or she comes out of the pavilion, bat in hand?