Politics & Sport

Last week’s Politics and Sports aroused a response from Dr. Errol King. Dr. King outlined that between 1947 to 1950, lawyer St. Aubyn Cato was the regular opening batsman on the national cricket team. Cato ran unsuccessfully for North Windward.

King pointed to the involvement of Alec Caleb Allen, an estate owner in North Windward whose period of sporting and political contribution peaked between 1930 and 1940. A. C. Allen was elected to the House of Parliament. {{more}}

His son A.C. ‘Son’ Allen was Victor Ludorum at Grammar School in 1943-44, and was also a good footballer.

‘Son’ Allen was elected to the Federal House as one of two representatives from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ‘Son’ Allen was affiliated to Ebenezer Joshua’s People’s Political Party.

Victor Cuffy left the scene as Human Rights president. Cuffy was an excellent allrounder at cricket and played for the national team after setting his mark at Grammar School. He won the North Central Windward constituency in the April 7, 1972 election which saw the six/six tie with independent James Mitchell holding the balance.

Cuffy served as Health Minister until December 1974.

Dr. King indicated that Randolph Russell was a leading cyclist around 1937 to 1940 when Victoria Park was the arena. Russell served as Health Minister under Milton Cato after 1974. He was Opposition Leader in the latter part of that regime in 1984.

Russell contested the Central Kingstown constituency on a Labour Party ticket in 1994. He lost to former Attorney General Parnel Campbell. Between that era, he formed his own political entity.

George Owen Walker may not have been an elected parliamentarian, but he will be remembered as one of the nation’s most fervent political activists. From the Central Leeward town of Layou, Walker was the leading fast bowler in the 1957 to 1962 period and played for the national cricket team.

Walker had a stint as Minister under the Joshua led PPP administration.

Dr. King reminded of lawyer Dr. Kenneth John’s sporting and political connections. John was a founding member of the Democratic Freedom Movement that was perhaps a legitimate vehicle for youthful political expressions. By then, Dr. John’s sporting prowess had been established.

Dr. King remembered Dr. John’s career at the St. Vincent Grammar School and at Division One Club Level.

John contested the West Kingstown seat in 1974 election with his DFM colleague Eddie Griffith in East Kingstown. Griffith was respected as a bonafide sportsman, capable in both cricket and football. While Dr. John surfaced for the United People’s Movement in 1979, Griffith hit the trail in 1984 and was successful in East Kingstown. He served as Health Minister but died at age 51 in 1986.

My affinity to Dr. John was through his writings , in ‘The Tree,’ and in whatever outlets.

Ken Boyea’s innings of 90 at Victoria Park stands out.

Boyea distinguished himself on the political platform in 1998, upstaging Parnel Campbell and Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie in Central Kingstown on a Unity Labour Party ticket.

He formed the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM).

Boyea, and chief lieutenant Stanley Stalky John suffered at the polls in 2001.

Dr. King indicated that Carlyle Dougan QC was a capable batsman at Grammar School and club level. Dougan distinguished himself in the legal profession. He served as Attorney General, elected to East Kingstown 1989.

Dr. King pointed out Dougan’s renewed focus of attention given his position on persons having one spliff of marijuana.

Alpian Allen was a dependable batsman. He is from a sporting family, where cricket flows in the veins. Allen represented North Leeward from 1989 to 2001 and served in a number of Ministries.

Carl Glasgow has been on the political circles. His contribution to sporting development has been documented.

In the 1960’s Glasgow’s all-round ability in cricket underlined his versatility. He represented both St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia at cricket. He maintains his commitment at the Windwards level where he served as manager of the Senior Windwards squad.

I recall Trinidadian Wendell Motley winning a medal in the 1964 Olympic in Tokyo, Japan. He surfaced as a Minister in his native Trinidad and Tobago.

Wes Hall has been a thoroughbred Caribbean symbol. He has been Minister of Tourism in his native Barbados, and with his record of service throughout the region, and endearing personality carved out on the cricket field transcended into an affable social character on the political, social, and religious front.

Wes Hall has perhaps been the sample. His role in the famous tied Test match is part of memorable graft of West Indian cricket history. Wes serves in a variety of spheres as one of the region’s most valuable resource. And his experience at all levels preserves him as an element of Caribbean acclaim.