This exhibition that has been mounted by the National Archives as its contribution to the celebration of Nobel Laureate Festival 2023 has been a seed waiting to sprout for some time. The National Archives established its Sports Archives in 2014 to collect and preserve documents and memorabilia about our nation’s sportsmen and women and we have been doing so ever since. Of course, featuring Levern and Daren, our premier sports personalities was inevitable. It was only a matter of “when”.
The ascendency of both Daren Sammy and Levern Donalin Spencer in their chosen spheres of Cricket and Track and Field, event High Jump has always intrigued me. There are some similarities between the two which, perhaps, is more than coincidence. They were both reared in rural communities – Daren, Micoud, and Levern, Babonneau; were grounded in protestant faiths, Seventh Day Adventists for Daren and Baptist for Levern – and they embarked on their respective careers about the same time.
I can imagine that they, ensconced in their humble homes, must have dreamed and hoped for success when they realized that the Lord had favoured them with raw athletic talent.
When they embarked on their sports adventure some may have cheered, and others scoffed and perhaps others discouraged them, but they were undeterred. Buoyed by the faith that they had in themselves, spurred on by the prayers and assistance of their loved ones and the encouragement of coaches and mentors they trudged on, each a destiny to fulfill. I am sure that both Daren and Levern can attest that their pathways to success were tortuous with many setbacks, but hard work, determination, commitment, dedication and perseverance ensured that their potential blossomed into making them rise to the pinnacle of their disciplines. Success, at first, was elusive and no doubt they had moments when confidence was low and doubted themselves but were able to muster from within the strength to soldier on.
We are thankful that these two young people stayed the course. Many medals, trophies and, (I hope), substantial pecuniary rewards later, they have retired. Sammy, who for his part in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan, was awarded the highest civilian medal of Pakistan, Nishan-e-Pakistan on 23rd March 2020, and was also awarded honorary Pakistani citizenship by the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, has retired only from Test Cricket.
They brought glory not only to themselves, but to their families, their schools, their communities, their church congregations and their country. Whatever glory they achieved on the international stage is our glory. We can bask in their sunshine just as we do for Sir Derek and Sir Arthur.
The National Archives exists to preserve records and information and to make them available for research. Through this exhibition we aim to cement the legacy of Daren and Levern in the mind of the people, and to let them know that we appreciate what they have achieved.
Levern and Daren, you fulfilled your destiny and won international acclaim. We thank and salute you.
Let me digress a little: Dr. Ernest Hilaire, a few months back said that we do not have a proper Archives. Well, I agree. The National Archives is not purpose built – we occupy buildings built by the British between 1893 and 1895 – over 130 years ago to house their military personnel; nor is our location ideal. Please, Dr. Hilaire, undertake and advocate for a purpose-built Archives to house the nation’s archives.
This exhibition will run till 31st March 2023. We urge the nation to come and savor the achievements of these honorable and remarkable, “ich Ste. Lucie”. Our Island is small and no matter where you live you can easily get to Vigie. Admission is free. We shall arrange for the schools to phone in and schedule their visits to the exhibition. I can assure you that after you have perused the exhibition some of you shall be inspired to search your minds and spirit to discover your hidden talents.
(The preceding address was delivered by Margo Thomas at opening of this year’s National Archives Exhibition on January 23. Ms Thomas has been St. Lucia’s National Archivist for several years.) Â
