(Image Source: ECCB)
[Saba Sports News] Special $2 notes featuring West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards will be circulated in Eastern Caribbean countries starting December 6. This commemorative currency, launched at a ceremony in Antigua, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). Sir Vivian, expressing gratitude, attributed his success to the values instilled by his late parents.
Sir Vivian, chosen for this honor, significantly influenced the West Indian community, using cricket as a platform to combat racism and white supremacy. In addition to the note release, he will host a charity golf tournament benefiting the Antigua & Barbuda Renal Society, with ECCB donating XCD$25,000 to the cause.
Camillo Gonsalves, Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, praised Sir Vivian’s commitment to principles over monetary gain, contrasting it with the priorities of some modern cricketers. Gonsalves emphasized that Sir Vivian’s legacy and vocal stance against issues like apartheid set him apart.
“Today, apartheid raises its head in new forms and new locations, morphing into genocide, and our sports people are quiet. But Sir Viv was never quiet. Now, we have a modern set of cricketers so consumed with money that they forget the importance of the unity of the West Indies cricket team. Those who chased money in apartheid South Africa, those who chase money today, will never find themselves on money like Sir Viv does today,” Gonsalves said.
Sir Vivian Richards, acclaimed as the best batter of his era, had an illustrious cricket career spanning nearly two decades, including captaining the West Indies from 1984 to 1991. He led the team to numerous victories and is celebrated for never losing a Test series as captain.