PM Browne leads tributes to Sir Viv’s mother

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Tributes have poured in for the mother of National Hero Sir Vivian Richards, Grathel Richards, who died early Thursday at age 91.According to the Antigua Observer newspaper, Richards passed away at the Mount St John Medical Centre after being admitted on Wednesday.

In a letter of condolence to Sir Viv, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne described Grathel as “an outstanding citizen” and “a parent of outstanding abilities”, noting she would be a loss to the nation.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend sincerest and deepest sympathies to the entire Richards family on the death of your dear mother, Mrs Grathel Richards,” Browne wrote.
“She was a parent of outstanding abilities, a remarkable woman, and an outstanding citizen. The nation is poorer as a consequence of her passing.
“Your mother gave of herself through her church, her charitable works, and her embracing love of so many. Despite having a large family of her own, she cared for others right up until the moment of her death. Mrs Richards was truly a good neighbour.”
Opposition leader Baldwin Spencer also paid tribute, asking for Richards to be accorded an official funeral, “in deference, not only to her in her own right, but even more appropriately to her son, Sir Viv, our nation’s living national hero. I sincerely trust that this request will be given very favourable consideration.”
Sports Minister Paul Greene said his thoughts were with Sir Viv and the family.
“As one of our two national heroes alive today, I think I can extend condolences on behalf of the entire Antigua & Barbuda community.”
Richards lived on the street named after her famous son, who emerged as the most dominant Test batsmen of his era and also went on to become a legendary West Indies captain.
Sir Viv gathered 8 540 runs from 121 Tests at an average of 50 and also went on to be voted Wisden’s greatest one-day batsman of all time for his 6 721 runs at an average of 47 in 187 appearances.
He famously holds the distinction of being the only West Indies captain never to lose a Test series.

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