Following is a statement from Minister of Sports Dwight Sutherland on the induction of Desmond Haynes into the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame.
“It is with great pleasure that the Government and people of Barbados extend warmest congratulations to Mr Desmond Haynes and the late Sir Learie Constantine, West Indies Cricket Legends, on being inducted into the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame.
“This is another great achievement for cricket and sports in the Caribbean, as it speaks to the recognition of the phenomenal contribution made to cricket globally, by Barbados and the region. The international recognition of these cricketing icons is timely, as the world experiences the COVID-19 pandemic, the social and economic fallout and the adverse impact on employment opportunities.
“This recognition of these two talented gentlemen is a clear demonstration that careers in Sports can be rewarding and should be pursued.
“Sir Learie Constantine, as one of the pioneers of West Indies cricket, represented the region at the first West Indies test match against England in June, 1928. He then went on to represent the West Indies team in 10 test matches, where he displayed his outstanding skills as an attacking batsman, fast bowler and an excellent ‘close to the wicket’ fielder.
“Mr Desmond Haynes represented the West Indies cricket team from 1978 to 1994, during which he amassed 7,487 runs in 116 Test matches, including 18 centuries. He also scored 8,648 runs in 238 One-Day Internationals, including 17 centuries. These exploits earned him the reputation of being a cricketer par excellence and one of the most successful opening batsmen in cricketing history, along with fellow opening batsman, Sir Gordon Greenidge.
“The addition of Mr Desmond Haynes to the ICC Hall of Fame represents a significant feat for the region, but especially for Barbados, as this increases the number of Barbadian inductees to nine of the 19 West Indian cricketing icons inducted.
“Mr Haynes has joined Mr Joel Garner, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Wes Hall, Sir Garfield Sobers, and the late Mr Malcolm Marshall, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Frank Worrell. As the Government of Barbados seeks to elevate sports as a central pillar of the national identity of Barbados, it will be built on the excellence demonstrated by our sporting heroes and their achievements locally, regionally and internationally.
“The role played by these cricketers and other outstanding sportspersons is therefore invaluable and so, we say thank you. Congratulations once again to Mr Desmond Haynes and the late Sir Learie Constantine, for establishing the Caribbean as a formidable force in the field of cricket, and for their contribution to the development of sports in Barbados and the region. A job well done!” (PR)
