Prof Beckles throws light on Worrell and Walcott personalities
University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has described Sir Frank Worrell as more than just a brilliant intellect and strategist.During the recent launch of his latest book: “Cricket’s First Revolutionary: Frank Worrell’s Political War Against Colonialism in the West Indies,” at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies Beckles noted that Worrell’s leadership extended far beyond the field of play.
He reflected on Worrell’s funeral, noting: “That famous photograph of the funeral — that is a photograph to look at. There are two things with that photograph. The casket is coming onto the church. On the left is his protégé. On the right is his protégé. Young Sobers and young Kanhai, these are his boys. Everton, who was his mentor, is at the front.”
Beckles said he had asked Clyde Walcott why he was not in that photograph. “He said, Professor, I was not invited,” Beckles recounted. “Now, Frank Worrell had a clear view of who the traitors were, of who the indifferent people were, of who the manipulators were. Like himself, Everton — Everton was good to him.”
He described how Worrell’s loyalty extended to those who stood by him during times of struggle.