ECNETNews, New York, NY, July 29, 2024: Distinguished Guyanese cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd and Jamaican regionalist Roderick Rainford have been honored with the prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the highest accolade in the region. The awards were presented during the culturally vibrant opening ceremony of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government at Charter Hall, St. George’s University, Grenada, on July 28, 2024.
Sir Clive Lloyd expressed his gratitude upon receiving the honor, stating, “I am humbled to be in your midst and to have been considered worthy of the Order of the Caribbean Community. This recognition of my services to the Region reinforces my belief in the unity we sought to foster on the cricket field.”
A legendary figure in cricket, Sir Clive captained the West Indies in three World Cups, clinching victories in 1975 and 1979 and reaching the finals in 1983. He was honored as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1971, leading the West Indies to an impressive record during his captaincy from 1974 to 1985, which included 27 consecutive matches without defeat and 11 straight victories. Sir Clive was the first West Indian to achieve 100 international caps and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. He received a knighthood during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2022.
Dr. Nesha Z. Haniff Rainford accepted the award on behalf of her husband, Roderick Rainford, from CARICOM Chair Dickon Mitchell. She shared insights into his life and values, emphasizing the importance of humility, discipline, hard work, and self-respect. Dr. Rainford quoted her husband: “I am pleased to be included among the Caribbean patriots who have received this distinction and I pledge to continue leading my life worthy of this privilege.”
Roderick Rainford served as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community from 1983 to 1992 and played a vital role in the adoption of the Grand Anse Declaration in 1989, a foundational step toward the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). He also contributed to a thorough review of CARICOM’s regional initiatives and programs, identifying key elements for the Community’s growth.
Among his many contributions, Rainford was instrumental in developing the CARICOM Uniform Building Code (CUBiC), which enhances building safety in disaster-prone regions. He has participated in leadership roles with the Caribbean Development Bank and advisory capacities with international financial institutions. His writings have provided essential insights into the Caribbean’s social and economic evolution, informing future policy directions. Notably, he played a key role in proposing the establishment of the OCC, the very award he received.
The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) was established on May 28, 1991, to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the political, social, and cultural development of CARICOM Member States. The award is conferred by the Conference of Heads of Government, following recommendations from an Advisory Committee that oversees its operation and administration through the CARICOM Secretariat.
