Last week history was made on the Caribbean Island of Barbados where Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and the Commonwealth Plaque Trust unveiled the blue plaque for the first time ever in the Commonwealth, during a ground-breaking and historic ceremony at the Island's Kensington Oval, the home of West Indies cricket.
The Blue Plaque
A Blue Plaque is a permanent sign that is installed in a public place to commemorate a link between the location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker. The first blue plaque in Barbados commemorates the three "famous W’s" of West Indies and World Cricket - Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes, who were all knighted for their services to the game during their careers.
Sir Frank and Sir Clyde passed away some years ago, but outstanding batsman Sir Everton Weekes who is now 93, was there alongside former British DJ and now Chairman of the British Plaque Trust, Mike Read, who unveiled the plaque in the presence of other undisputed legends of cricket, including Sir Wesley Hall, Sir Charlie Griffith and Mr.Desmond Haynes at the ground they call “The Mecca of Cricket” where the game has been played since 1882.
Cheryl Carter, Director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc in the UK and Ireland said: "We were delighted that three Barbadians were honoured by the Commonwealth Plaque Trust. Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes, are without doubt three of the greatest cricketers that the world has ever seen.
We are incredibly proud that this honour will be bestowed on them here in Barbados and that Barbados will be the first Commonwealth destination to have the unveiling of a blue plaque."
Huge occasion
The huge occasion was attended by dignitaries including the Hon. Kerrie Symmonds, (M.P) Minister of Tourism and International Transport, The Hon.
John A. King, (M.P) Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, Mr Condé Riley President of the Barbados Cricket Association and Mr Devon Chase, Manager Sports, BTMI who addressed the audience. Mr Ben Toppin, CEO of Kensington Oval Management Inc. delivered the vote of thanks.
Other special guests included the CEO and Chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Mr William ‘Billy’ Griffith and "Electric Avenue" singer/songwriter Eddy Grant. The historic event was followed by a reception and tour at the Cricket Legends Museum in Barbados.
