The lecture series is set to start at 7:30pm (8:30pm ECT) and will also be available on UWI TV.
In December 1960, Worrell led the team on tour of Australia where history was created in the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane that ended in a memorial tie. It was the start of a series which would go down in history as the one “which saved Test cricket and kept it alive”.
Thei annual lecture would normally be held to an audience at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies – where Sir Frank Worrell is buried overlooking the Three Ws Oval – alongside his other famous team-mates Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes.
However, due to COVID-19 protocols, Mr Skerritt will deliver his address virtually.
"Today, we stand at the intersection of history and aspiration, commemorating the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell," Dr. Shallow began. "This moment invites us to reflect deeply on a man whose impact extends far beyond the boundaries of cricket, touching the very essence of Caribbean identity and resilience."
Sir Frank Worrell's historic appointment in 1960 as the first black captain of the West Indies team for an entire series marked a turning point not only in cricket but also in the fight against racial prejudice. Dr. Shallow underscored how Worrell's leadership symbolized hope and change, unifying the Caribbean with a spirit of dignity, pride, and excellence. "Worrell’s appointment was a bold declaration that cricket in the West Indies would no longer be shackled by the chains of racial prejudice," Dr. Shallow emphasized.
Under Worrell’s captaincy, the West Indies team became a beacon of possibility and a source of collective pride. His ability to unite players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive and formidable unit demonstrated that unity is the Caribbean’s greatest strength. "Sir Frank's tenure as captain was more than a chapter in a cricketing saga; it was a pivotal moment in our region's social and cultural renaissance," Dr. Shallow noted.
Reflecting on the current state of West Indies cricket, Dr. Shallow called for introspection and purposeful collaboration. He acknowledged that recent performances have not met the expectations of West Indian fans, and emphasized the need for transformation and innovation within the sport. "Our commitment to transformation in pursuit of excellence must be evident. We must embrace innovation and creativity to strengthen our cricket systems, including coaching and selections," he said.
Education, according to Dr. Shallow, is crucial for the future of West Indies cricket. He urged young cricketers to learn about the rich history of the Caribbean and the significance of cricket, emphasizing that the legacy of legends like Sir Frank Worrell must inspire future generations. "The legacy of legends like Sir Frank must be shared in all forms possible to inspire future generations," he asserted.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Shallow celebrated Sir Frank Worrell’s enduring legacy as a guiding light for the Caribbean. "Sir Frank Worrell’s legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream and work together," he said. "As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he stood for—unity, excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. His story is our story, and as we move forward, let us carry his spirit with us, striving to build a future worthy of his legacy."
