Board in place to honour the three Ws

A board of directors has been set up to establish a Foundation to honour former Barbadian Test cricketers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes, for their outstanding contributions to Barbados, the West Indies and the entire cricketing world.

The Foundation, whose trustees are Sir David Seale, Sir David Simmons, Sir Stephen Emtage, Sir Neville Nicholls, Algernon Symmonds, Professor Hilary Beckles, Stephen Alleyne and David Holford, will be entrusted with net proceeds from two weeks of planned celebration activities to honour the 3Ws.

While the focus of the events will be to celebrate and honour the 3Ws, proceeds raised will be used to assist in the establishment of three-year scholarships tenable at the University of the West Indies (UWI), to assist in the development of Sir Frank Worrell's birthplace as a museum celebrating the legacy of the 3Ws, and to create lasting memorials to the 3Ws.

The Foundation will be soliciting the support of all cricket lovers, as well as the general public, in rekindling the model characters of the 3Ws.

"Young Barbadians today are seriously in need of the mirror images which the likes of Worrell, Weekes and Walcott kindled within the hearts and minds of the generations of their day," said trustee Stephen Alleyne.

"This unique trio, ultimately rewarded with the highest national honour of knighthood, has made us proud to be Barbadian. Their great achievements, despite their humble origins, make them representations of hope for our youth."

The celebrations will begin with an ecumenical service at UWI grounds April 21, at 9 a.m., where the public is invited to witness the renaming of the grounds to The 3Ws Oval.

There will also be a presentation entitled, The 3Ws: Their Achievements, Contributions & Legacy on April 29 at Frank Collymore Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The highlight of the events will be a gala banquet on May 3, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at 8 p.m, where keynote speaker will be Reverend Wes Hall.

Event manager Jerry Ishmael of Premier Events Services, said: "The gymnasium will be transformed into a lavish dining experience where an estimated 900 cricket enthusiasts, players and supporters will dine on a blend of Caribbean and international flavours."

Entertainment will be provided by top local musicians and every patron will be given an autographed miniature bat as a keepsake.