Cricket star ducks question on slavery during King’s Antigua and Barbuda visit

Cricket legend Sir Viv Richards ducked a question on the slavery issue engulfing the Commonwealth, joking it was a “potential getting out delivery”.

Sir Viv was quizzed about his thoughts on the subject on Sunday evening after being announced as an ambassador for the King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) as Charles and Queen Camilla joined celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of Antigua’s independence.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to “listening to calls for a formal apology” from those nations affected by the transatlantic slave trade, but has ruled out financial reparations.

Asked if he had any advice for someone who might criticise those involved in the debate, Sir Viv replied: “Well, to be fair, at this particular time, as you know, I was involved with the game of cricket in a big way.”

He added with a smile: “That’s one I think that (is) a potential getting out delivery. So I leave that one alone OK.”

Sir Viv Richards speaks to the members of the media ahead of the annual Independence Ceremonial Parade, marking 45 years of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence (Isabel Infantes/PA)

PA Wire

The former batsman from Antigua was one of four West Indies Cricketing Knights alongside Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Curtly Ambrose who met the King and Queen when they joined the independence celebrations at a cricket stadium named after Sir Viv.

He accepted the invitation, on behalf of the King, to be an ambassador for his SMI scheme, saying: “I can’t tell you what an immense privilege it is to be asked and I have gladly accepted. I am delighted to help my country and these islands raise the profile in any way I can.”

Charles’ SMI was founded in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales, to help the world transition to a sustainable future, and it is involved in a number of events during CHOGM, including the Commonwealth Business Forum being staged later, where the King will meet participants in the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs Summit.

The royal couple have a busy day planned, beginning with a community gathering at the Governor General’s official residence where uniformed youth groups, charitable organisations and others will be celebrated.

Later Camilla will address the opening session of the CHOGM Women’s Forum, held at the American University of Antigua, and deliver a message of support for Commonwealth efforts to end gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, Charles will visit Nelson’s Dockyard, a historic Georgian-era naval and UNESCO World Heritage site established in 1725 and once commanded by Lord Nelson, who is said to have hated his time at the site in the 1780s.