Q What do you love about Antigua?
I love more than anything else, when I’ve been away, just coming back. I guess the folks who come to see what our tourism product is all about, and then keep coming back, are the same. I’m seeing things so often on a regular basis, but when folks are coming for the first time, they’re amazed to see the greenery, especially when it rains, and the turquoise colour of the sea. It’s just a magnificent sort of environment to be in, and I’m ever so happy when I come back. It’s just a great feeling, and hopefully I can pass that on to the folks who come here to visit us. We are vibrant people, who do enjoy our sports and our party. You would have seen the fun that goes on at the Recreation Ground especially, and also at the Sir Viv ground. We enjoy ourselves, but also our visitors. I think we are some of the nicest people you can find in the region –I can hold my hand up and say that. Right now, I’m so happy, sitting here with the breeze, which is such a cool breeze. It’s not hot. I can only advertise my country to anyone who’s looking for a place with friendly people and a great environment. We don’t get that humidity you find in other parts of the Caribbean. Here in the Leewards, we’re fortunate in a big way to call this our home.
We catch up with the cricketing legend to find out what he loves most about his home island of Antigua &Barbuda, and how he likes to spend his spare time
I love going all around. If you’re away for a few weeks, there are certain things you’re going to miss. What amazes me when I go away is that every time I come back, there’s always something different, something that’s fresh enough for me to enjoy. It’s a country I’m totally in love with; I’m not saying that just because I’m an Antiguan &Barbudan. I’ve interacted with a lot of folks who’ve come here, and they will tell you the same. It’s small but it’s not over-crowded in any particular way; it’s easy to get from Ato B. We have great beaches in Antigua, but you have these pink beaches in Barbuda. This is why one of the late Princess Diana’s favourite places was Barbuda. She spoke highly of that island. There’s still lots more that can be done after the hurricane damage there, but I would like to think they’re on their way to where they would like to be.
Q What are your favourite restaurants
and local dishes?