Worrell’s fight for justice retold in ‘Cricket’s First Revolutionary’
DR Justice Anthony Gafoor brought to life selected passages from Sir Hilary Beckles’ latest book, Cricket’s First Revolutionary: Frank Worrell’s Political War Against Colonialism in the West Indies, during its launch at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine recently.In the first passage, Gafoor read of Worrell’s early years and the social movements that shaped him:
“Worrell launched a frontal, ferocious assault upon the oppressive WICBC regime. It was as personally tenacious as it was publicly persistent. At the core of his campaign was social justice, a critical aspect of the socialist political philosophy that was erupting in Europe and its colonies.”Another section focused on Worrell’s stand against the West Indies Cricket Board of Control (WICBC).
“Disrupting the settled legacy of skin colour and capital over-performance and popular expectation was his immediate agenda. He requested a salary of English £250 for the tour. The WICBC coldly declined to seriously consider his proposition...The tour went ahead without him.”“When in 1948–49 Frank Worrell wrote to the West Indies board demanding a modest sum for his services, the board treated it as though it were a revolt of the plebs which had to be put down. The board refused to bargain...The board confidently expected that Worrell would bow to privilege and power.”“Worrell, dignified as ever, would not yield. He preferred to miss the tour to India. He would no longer be exploited...As a result, he was dubbed a cricket Bolshevik for his subversive action.”