Across Barbados, a growing number of secondary and tertiary students are gaining unprecedented access to first-hand wisdom from cricket icons and industry leaders, thanks to the new Legacy Talks initiative spearheaded by Cricket Legends of Barbados Inc. This targeted youth engagement program, which launched earlier this year, marks a major step forward in the organization’s ongoing mission to reconnect young Barbadians to the island’s rich cricketing heritage while equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the pitch.
During a press briefing held at the organization’s Fontabelle headquarters in St. Michael, General Manager Julia Caine laid out the program’s core objectives: to bridge the gap between legendary former cricketers and the next generation, expanding discussions beyond the sport to cover critical topics that shape young people’s lives. From personal discipline and the value of education to navigating career pathways and fostering long-term personal growth, the structured sessions are designed to broaden students’ perspectives on professional opportunities. Since launching in January, the initiative has already welcomed four secondary schools and one tertiary institution, building on the momentum of the organization’s existing successful outreach program, Fun Time with the Legends.
Launched in 2024, Fun Time with the Legends has already reached 18 primary and secondary schools across the island, with five more visits scheduled for the upcoming academic term. Caine emphasized that both programs work in tandem to deliver structured engagement for young people at every educational level, from primary school through tertiary education. Unlike the more accessible Fun Time program, Legacy Talks is crafted specifically for older students preparing to transition from higher education to the workforce, offering deeper, discussion-driven sessions with topics tailored to their unique needs. Caine noted that the organization is optimistic about the new program’s long-term growth and impact on Barbadian youth.
The most recent Legacy Talks session was led by Carlisle Best, a celebrated former Barbadian and West Indies cricketer who also enjoyed a long career with the Central Bank of Barbados. Best brought his dual expertise to a session focused on financial legacy, engaging students from Barbados Community College and The Alleyne School with practical, actionable insights that sparked thoughtful, meaningful dialogue among attendees.
Joel Garner, chairman of Cricket Legends of Barbados, opened up about the organization’s motivation for expanding its school outreach, acknowledging that the sport has not received the consistent media visibility it deserves in recent years. He noted that modern young people are increasingly drawn to digital devices and screen-based activities, pulling focus away from traditional local sports. Garner admitted that the cricketing community made missteps in the past, failing to maintain a consistent visible presence in schools and build robust partnerships with local businesses. To grow the sport across all age levels, he argued, the organization needs expanded partnerships not only with the Ministry of Education but also the Ministry of Sport to create a meaningful, sustainable impact on junior and elite cricket development across the entire island.
Garner added that the organization’s outreach extends far beyond school programs. Legends of Barbados has also worked closely with the country’s senior national men’s team, hosting informal sessions to help players relax, sharing first-hand lessons on what it takes to reach the top of international cricket, and how to sustain success once they achieve their goals.
Shareholder and former international cricketer Dwayne Smith shared his personal journey with the sport, recalling how his uncle introduced him to cricket at a young age. While he noted that he did not always achieve every outcome he dreamed of during his career, Smith emphasized that cricket transformed his life, opening doors to international travel he never could have imagined – from Kenya and Australia to New Zealand, South Africa, England and dozens of other destinations. For Smith, cricket provided not only financial stability – allowing him to own a home, a car, and achieve the lifestyle he wanted – but also invaluable life lessons about navigating the world and interacting with people from all walks of life. He expressed hope that more young Barbadians will follow his path and build their own futures through the sport he loves.