News Releases

UWI launches Sir Hilary Beckles’ latest book on Sir Frank Worrell’s political legacy and leadership

For Release Upon Receipt - October 17, 2025

UWI


The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I. Friday, October 17, 2025—On Tuesday, October 21, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will host the launch of Cricket’s First Revolutionary: Frank Worrell’s Political War Against Colonialism in the West Indies (Ian Randle, 2025). This new biography, penned by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, delves deep into the remarkable life of Sir Frank Worrell as a revolutionary figure and his political struggle against colonialism and racial inequality in the West Indies. Scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM in the Learning Resource Centre at the St. Augustine Campus, the event promises to be a memorable occasion for cricket enthusiasts and others alike.

 According to Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Worrell's legacy goes beyond cricket: "He was not just an extraordinary batsman and captain but also a compelling political and intellectual activist." Beckles’ portrayal invites readers to explore Worrell's transformative journey from Barbados to Trinidad and ultimately to Jamaica, in his quest for belonging and intellectual companionship. Beckles notes that Worrell’s struggle led him to reject his native homeland of Barbados and choose to live first in Trinidad and later in Jamaica, which became his home as he continued to advocate for political integration and the independent sovereignty of the Caribbean.

 Sir Frank's life as a strategic, anti-colonial, democratic socialist radical takes centre stage in this brilliant historical narration of the political journey of the celebrated cricketing legend. Through the dizzying vicissitudes of Sir Frank's confrontation with the West Indies Cricket Board of Control, Sir Hilary unravels layers and layers of the untold history of Worrell as a political firebrand. The book pinpoints how Worrell dexterously challenges the Establishment in his incessant quest for justice against repressive, anti-democratic colonial forces, which not only threatened the livelihood of working-class Black and Brown cricketers, but that of the pan-Caribbean, West Indian proletariat, on the whole. 

 Launch events for the book were also held in Barbados and Jamaica, highlighting its relevance across the Caribbean. The October 21 unveiling ironically coincides with the impending regional domestic cricket season. As debates around the current state of West Indies cricket heat up, Sir Hilary’s exploration of Worrell’s life and legacy serves as a timely reminder of the exceptional leadership and vision that once propelled the game forward.

 The launch programme will feature insightful remarks from the author and several distinguished guest speakers, including Dr. Indira Rampersad, Head of the Department of Political Science at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (Chair); Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, Academic, Historian, and Editor; Justice Dr. Anthony DJ Gafoor, Chairman of the Tax Appeal Board of Trinidad and Tobago; and Dr. Roy McCree, Dean of the Faculty of Sport at The University of the West Indies.

 This event is free and open to the public, creating an inclusive environment for diverse audiences. Books will be available for purchase at the launch for TT$180, accepting both cash and debit card payments. Professor Sir Hilary Beckles will be signing purchased copies of the book, adding a special touch to the event. To be a part of this historic occasion, attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the following link: (http://bit.ly/4odKkYq) or call 662-2002 ext 83571.

 END.

 About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.

 

Contact