Richardson backs away from ministerial post in Antigua

Citing current commitments to the international cricket circuit, former West Indies cricket captain and legend Richie Richardson has backed away from an offer to become sports minister as part of wider plans by the federation with Barbuda to put the country in a position to win medals at the next Olympics in the US in 2028.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne had tapped Richardson, a match referee with the International Cricket Council (ICC), to be sports minister, in charge of rebooting the country’s sports program in the wake of amazing Olympic successes by fellow Eastern Caribbean neighbors Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica at the recent Paris games.

Grenada won two bronze medals in France, while Thea Lafond Gadson won a gold in the triple jump for Dominica and Julien Alfred whipped a star studded international field to win a gold in the 100-meter sprint for St. Lucia, setting off debate in the Caribbean Community about the need to invest many more millions in facilities and on athletes.

Browne said Tuesday that Richardson’s offer has been amended to the role of sports commissioner, working closely with the sports ministry to improve sports facilities, take physical education to the mass population and improve talent scouting in the federation.

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda expresses its gratitude to Sir Richie Richardson for his continued dedication to the nation. His involvement in this critical role underscores the importance placed on the development of sports as a key element of nation-building. We look forward to the positive impact Sir Richie’s leadership will bring to our sporting programs and the opportunities it will create for our young athletes and communities,” the announcement stated.

It did not say if Richardson will relinquish his ICC role in the future to join the cabinet as he appears keen to continue on the international cricket circuit as a match official.

Richardson had captained the West Indies cricket team between 1991-95 and was highly regarded for his flair as a batsman. He made 5, 949 runs in Tests and 6,248 in One-day Internationals. He is likely to replace current Minister of Sports, Daryll Matthew. He is to be appointed a senator. He was knighted locally and has an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies.