The Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sam Condor, has congratulated Univeristy of the Virgin Islands alumnus and Kittitian businessman Richard Skerritt on his appointment this week as manager of the West Indies cricket team.
Skerritt, who graduated from UVI in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in biology, holds the distinction of having been selected as UVI's first Rhodes Scholar. UVI President Dr. Orville Kean said Skerritt's appointment is well deserved.
"I am elated to learn of UVI alumnus Richard Skerritt's appointment as manager of the West Indies Cricket Team," he said. "As UVI's first Rhodes Scholar, Mr. Skerritt's academic and athletic accomplishments are legendary. I am sure he will bring that same level of achievement to professional cricket."
The highly prestigious Rhodes Scholarship Program was created by Cecil Rhodes,an Englishman who went to South Africa in the latter 19th century and made a fortune from diamond mining. Rhodes scholars spend two or three years studying at Oxford and those who are selected must have strong intellectual ability and achievement. The major selection criteria include a high grade point average, fine character, integrity and compassion for other people, an instinct to lead and a fondness for and success in sports.
In a letter to Skerritt, Condor, who is also Minister of Sport, expressed his pride and delight, along with that of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, with the West Indies Cricket Board's selection. Skerritt is managing director of Delisle Walwyn Co. Ltd., a conglomerate in St. Kitts and Nevis.
"It will be a challenging task," Condor said of Skerritt's appointment at such a crucial time in West Indies cricket. In a congratulatory letter Condor assured Skerritt that he has the support of the government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
While at UVI, Skerritt was a member of the cricket team and played intramural volleyball. He visited UVI during the 1990s as a Charter Day guest speaker.