The contributions and legacy of opening batsman Johnson Charles were officially honored on Tuesday at the Saint Lucia Kings’ Official Welcoming Concert at Derek Walcott Square.
The 35-year-old has been a mainstay in the international cricket arena for several years and was recognised by the government for his contributions to the development of the game.
Joined by his Kings and West Indies coach and former teammates Daren Sammy, Alzarri Joseph, Rostan Chase and Matthew Forde, the veteran was lauded for his commitment over the years.
The Millet native’s impact on Saint Lucian and Caribbean cricket cannot be understated. While his calm, quiet demeanor has often been overshadowed by others, the numbers indicate that the two-time World T20 winner has been a force to be reckoned with in the region.
This year, Charles was particularly vital in the Kings’ inaugural Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, amassing 452 runs at an average of 41.09, finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer.
A two-time CPL champion, having previously won with Barbados Tridents, Charles is also the highest run-scorer in CPL history with 3,307 runs.
Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, announced that Charles will receive the following honors for his contributions to cricket development:
- The link road from Vanard to Anse La Raye will be renamed the “Johnson Charles Highway.”
- The “Johnson Charles Cricket Academy” will be established in Charles’s home community of Millet.
- The Millet Playing Field will be refurbished and renamed the “Johnson Charles Cricket Ground.”
Casimir went on to pledge his further commitment to the development of sports, stating:
“We want to continue to encourage the likes of Shadrack Descarte, McKenny Clarke, Ackeem Auguste, and the likes. Continue to do your best. Train hard. Play hard. Work hard. Pray hard.”
Don’t call it a highway please cause its really not a highway. Maybe Johnson Charles “Drive” or “Road” or “by-pass” or “feeder road”