Sir Viv to receive CARICOM’S highest honor

National Hero and cricket legend, Sir Vivian Richards is to receive the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) — CARICOM’S highest honor.

The secretariat of the 15-member regional bloc has written to the government of Antigua and Barbuda to relay the decision of the Conference of Heads of Government.

Sir Viv is to be bestowed with the honor at the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government to be held in Suriname on July 4 and 5, 2022.

CARICOM said the OCC recognizes nationals of states, who have made outstanding contributions to the development of  the region.

Sir Viv has been one of the world’s greatest-ever cricketers.

ESPN said Sir Viv is “arguably the most devastating batsman of all times.”

Commenting on the award, Sir Viv, the former West Indies captain said he is dedicating his pending CARICOM award, the OCC accolade to those who contributed to his success both on and off the field.

He said the award would not have been possible without the support of his teammates, family and friends.

Sir Viv, who scored 8,540 runs in 121 Tests for West Indies, is also hoping the accolade will serve as a motivation to others.

He scored 24 centuries at an average of 52.3.

Voted one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the century by a 100-member panel of experts in 2002, Sir Viv said however, he is humbled and thankful.

Sir Viv made his Test debut in 1974 against India and scored 8,50 runs in 21 Test matches at an average 50.23 with 24 centuries.

He also scored 1,281 runs on World Series Cricket with five centuries at an average of more than 55which was regarded as the highest and most difficult cricket played

The Antigua and Barbuda captain won 37 out of 50 matches. He also scored nearly 7,000 runs in one-day internationals and more than 36,000 in first-class cricket.

He was knighted for his contribution to cricket in 1999.