Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently unveiled his latest literary work, *Cricket’s First Revolutionary – Frank Worrell’s Political War Against Colonialism in the West Indies*, at the UWI St Augustine Campus on October 21. The book delves into the life and legacy of Sir Frank Worrell, a cricketing legend whose impact transcended the sport. While Worrell’s Test batting average of nearly 50 runs is widely celebrated, his true significance lies in his relentless advocacy for equality and better treatment of West Indies cricketers during the colonial era. Born in Barbados, Worrell became the first captain of African descent for the West Indies team in the 1950s, breaking racial barriers that predecessors like Learie Constantine and George Headley could not. Worrell’s activism extended beyond cricket; he served as a Senator in Jamaica and formed the Starvation XI, a club for underprivileged boys in Barbados. Beckles’ book, completed in just five months, highlights Worrell’s journey from star cricketer to revolutionary leader, emphasizing his role in dismantling colonial structures within West Indies cricket. The launch event featured insights from prominent figures, including Dr. Indira Rampersad, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, and historian Selwyn Cudjoe. Beckles, inspired by his childhood admiration for Worrell and guided by Trinidadian scholar CLR James, aims to preserve Worrell’s legacy as a symbol of resilience and progress in the face of systemic oppression.
Sir Hilary Beckles : Frank Worrell broke barriers that others could not
