Lauded as one of the best batsmen ever to have played in international cricket, Antigua & Barbuda’s national hero, Sir Vivian Richards, is currently the country’s tourism ambassador. His international cricket career began in 1973 and spanned two decades, including captaining the West Indies team and playing league cricket in England. He is now based back in his beloved Antigua but travels extensively promoting the numerous attractions of his home nation.
You are regarded as one of the best batsmen of all time. What would you say was the highlight of your career?
I’ve achieved many things and earned many accolades in life, but all of it is thanks to the people who have helped me along the way.
And without doubt, teamwork has been the most rewarding part of that. Winning the very first World Cup, held in England and then repeating it in 1979 was a wow! The fact that we had assembled such a successful team of players from all different Caribbean islands absolutely united the region and sent a message to everyone that we can all get on and achieve things together.
I always like to think on a wider basis in terms of “we” instead of “I”. I love thinking that we can accomplish things together.
What is your goal in life now?
I’ve always been a pretty simple person and am not one to run away with accolades. I try to be as grounded as possible and have respect for people so that people have respect for me. I have always felt that some people are unlucky not to be successful in something they have talent for, while there are some of us who are lucky and were given an opportunity in life.
Even though I am retired now, I am able to continue my professional journey thanks to all the opportunities I was given when I was a player.
I’m just a little guy from down the road, and now, wow, I’m the Laureus Sports Awards’ founding member and have so many other opportunities opened up for me around the world. But generally, I want to live my life as peacefully as possible.
I always like to think on a wider basis in terms of ‘we’ instead of ‘I’.
I keep it very simple – that is the best way – and it has kept me in good stead along the way, and I’ve been able to make the decisions that I think are justified to myself, my family and the people I’m close to.
Do you still enjoy exploring Antigua?
Yes! On Sundays and whenever I get an opportunity, I love playing golf. After a round of golf, I’ll go for a drive. I enjoy going up to Shirley Heights, which is a favourite spot of mine. When it’s mango season, I love it as all the little villages have stalls where people sell some of the best mangos you can buy. The same goes for pineapples during the season. I’ve been around the world, and I have never tasted such sweet-tasting pineapple as we have here in Antigua!
I love all these little things! I like going to the market and buying my own fish. And visiting the little eateries on a Sunday when the ladies are selling their local ice cream. I love stuff like that! It takes me back to when I was a young boy.
What would you like people to know about Antigua & Barbuda?
I think it’s important for them to know that our twin islands are unique. People sometimes don’t realise that every Caribbean island is very different – with different languages and cuisines. Antiguans are vibrant people, and we want to make visitors feel welcome. Also, as it is said, “the beach is just the beginning”. Truly, I’ve been around the globe and of course seen some nice beaches, but ours are incredible and up there with the best in the world.
There are lots of high-end investments coming into Antigua & Barbuda. What is your take on that?
Our country needs investors, and I welcome those who genuinely believe they can contribute to the good of the islands out of their love for the country. We want to encourage those who think in terms of quality and class and not quantity. Therefore, it’s about finding the right individuals who can do justice to this beautiful little island nation. I also believe that the establishments themselves mustn’t alienate themselves from the locals. We want partnerships rather than divisions.
Who are your heroes?
I met Nelson Mandela once, at our Laureus Sports Awards held in Monaco. We connected over a decision I made years ago.
During Mandela’s imprisonment in South Africa, I was offered a million dollars to go to the country and start a cricket squad. They wanted me to become an “honorary white”. I declined because of my conscious beliefs – I couldn’t go to a country where most people of my colour had no rights – not for any money in the world! My beliefs and principles are very important, and I outright refused.
Our country needs investors, and I welcome those who genuinely believe they can contribute to the good of the islands out of their love for the country.
Years later, when I met Nelson Mandela at this event, he thanked me for refusing. People repeatedly ask me questions about all the great things I’ve achieved in sport – but all that is secondary to this. My decision not to go to South Africa is one of my greatest achievements. If I had gone there, there would have been an exodus of players there, too. I played a small part in bringing an end to apartheid. That was why Nelson Mandela stopped to say thank you, and I was very proud. You can’t really get any bigger than that!
Can you tell us about your upcoming event – The Team Antigua Island Girls with Sir Vivian Richards Golf Tournament?
Yes, it’s taking place on 2nd November. I am so impressed with the Team Antigua Island Girls (who rowed the Atlantic in the Talisker Whisky Challenge as the first all-black team and first all-female Caribbean team to do so). It was a marvellous sight to see them coming in at the end of the race. It gave me goosebumps!
As I do a lot of motivational work with teams, I wanted to give them a little pep talk before they left to help them out. I tried to impress on them that even before you have accomplished your goals, making the decision to do it is a win-win situation. My father used to say things like “He or she who knows the way, leads the way, goes all the way”. I told them that they would get a lot of knocks from people wondering how and why they think they are going to beat menfolk with small minds and small talk. I told them that they could open the door for people who do not believe. That is a great inspiration to everyone.
The tournament aims to raise money for the charity that they support – the Cottage of Hope. I grew up attending the Anglican church, and the cathedral in St. John’s is also a historical monument on the island. Therefore, we are also trying to raise funds to finish its restoration works.