The 12 living West Indies cricket legends from the inaugural 1975 Cricket World Cup are now citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines. As an act of law, Vincentian citizenship has been conferred upon the winners of the 1975 Prudential World Cup.
This was announced at Sunday’s luncheon at the Prime Minister’s official residence to honour the cricket legends during the inaugural SVG Emancipation Cricket Festival.
Not only will they enjoy citizenship to the ‘Land of the Blessed’, but the legends’ likenesses will also appear on commemorative 50 dollar stamps to recognise the 50th anniversary of their achievement.
Commemorative St Vincent and the Grenadines 50 dollar stamps honouring the 50th anniversary of the inaugural 1975 West Indies World Cup winning legends.
Minister of Tourism Carlos James also announced that the double-decker stand at the Arnos Vale Ground will be renamed ‘The Legends Stand’.
An official ceremony to bestow citizenship to the legends will be held during the innings break of the final of the Emancipation Cricket Festival between Kingstown Kings and Grenadines Whalers.
James addressed the luncheon audience, underscoring the country’s commitment to recognising the region’s important cricket legends.
“We felt these things were intangible but important hallmarks. Later on tonight, we also will have them with us at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, where we will also have a brief ceremonial activity. Our double-decker stand will officially be named the Legends Stand in honour of 1975,” he said.
Gonsalves thanked the legends for their attendance in St Vincent and the Grenadines over the Emancipation weekend while noting that citizenship is the highest office of the land.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that St Vincent is one of six Caribbean nations that does not sell its citizenship or passport.
Sunday’s luncheon and cricket final culminate the weekend of activities within the SVG Emancipation Festival, which included a legends panel discussion titled “Cricket: A Public Good”, as well as a legends meet and greet with youth cricketers on the island.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves (left) presents Sir Clive Lloyd with his framed commemorative 50 dollar stamp.
Present in St Vincent and the Grenadines from the 1975 World Cup winning team are Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Andy Roberts, Deryck Murray, Alvin Kallicharran, and Collis King; however, the full squad includes Sir Vivian Richards, Bernard Julien, Vanburn Holder, Lance Gibbs, Maurice Foster, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks (deceased), and Keith Boyce (deceased).
