Sir Curtly Ambrose hit for six by honourary doctorate

One of Antigua & Barbuda’s greatest sons was bestowed a signal honour over the past weekend, as Sir Curtly Ambrose was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, during the university’s annual graduation exercise.

During a career that spanned 12 years, Ambrose took 405 wickets in 98 Test matches, and 225 more in 176 One Day Internationals. Known for his express pace, the giant Antiguan was as much feared by opposing batsmen as he was admired by teammates and fans. But Ambrose told a radio programme in his native Antigua & Barbuda that the announcement hit him for six.

“I was kind of surprised, first and foremost, because I didn’t expect it and, as a matter of a fact, I wasn’t looking for it,” he explained. “Because you know me, and I don’t really look for things like that. It’s a huge honour and something that I really appreciate and kudos to the UWI.

“When you’ve put in so much hard work over the years playing cricket, and not only flying the flag of Antigua & Barbuda, but also Leeward Islands, and ultimately the West Indies, you are carrying the whole of the West Indies on your shoulders, because we are the chosen few and we had to do well to keep our cricket lovers happy.

“I’ve always believed that cricket unified the Caribbean more than anything else so once cricket is playing and West Indies is winning, it seems like the whole Caribbean is on a standstill, so it tells me that all my efforts and everything I’ve done for cricket didn’t go unnoticed.”

A coach and commentator since retiring as a player, Ambrose was recognised for his immense contribution to the sport. Born in the small vilage of Swetes in Antigua, the now 61-year-old quit secondary school early to start working so he could support his family. International cricket came calling at the relatively ripe age of 25.

On Tuesday the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Dr Kishore Shallow, extended his congratulations Sir Curtly. A release from CWI spoke to the Antiguan’s “exceptional talent, unwavering discipline, and extraordinary commitment to West Indies cricket.”

“On behalf of the entire West Indies cricket family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Sir Curtly Ambrose on this remarkable achievement,” said Shallow. “This Honorary Doctorate of Laws is a fitting tribute to his outstanding career and his broader contributions to society. Sir Curtly has been an ambassador for our region, both on the global stage of cricket and in his personal endeavours, demonstrating the best of West Indian pride, discipline, and passion.

“Sir Curtly’s recognition by the UWI Five Islands Campus also underscores the role of sports in shaping the social and cultural identity of the Caribbean. His journey from a young Antiguan cricketer to a world-renowned sports icon mirrors the region’s commitment to nurturing excellence and pushing boundaries”

(TF)