Letter of the Day | Was the West Indies team in breach of protocol?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On Sunday, July, 7, the West Indies cricket team paid a visit to Buckingham Palace in London, England. The visit was at the invitation of King Charles III. The team was treated ahead of the first Test against England at Lords. This is where the good news ends.

To the absolute shock and even horror of most West Indian fans – both at home and abroad – the West Indies team showed up at Buckingham Palace in polo shirts. Certainly, this was not a last-minute invitation. These things are arranged well in advance, with proper security and other logistical arrangements confirmed ahead of the actual visit.

It is therefore mystifying as to why our team showed up at Buckingham Palace in polo shirts and not their official travel uniform: maroon blazer, tie, white shirt, black pants and black dress shoes. Surely, the manager, Rawle Lewis, ought to have known, or at least sought to find out, what was the proper protocol for a visit to Buckingham Palace.

During the visit, Captain Kraigg Braithwaite was asked about the team being role models who could motivate a new generation of youngsters to enter the sport of cricket. This was his response: “We want to be role models and create big performances; those that can motivate our youths to enter the sport.”

Surely, Braithwaite was not thinking about the message the team was sending to the thousands of youngsters back at home about the proper protocol for a visit to Buckingham Palace. Irrespective of one’s opinion about the British monarchy, you still have to contend with the question: did the team follow protocol? The invitation must have contained the following pieces of information: (i) date of the visit, (ii) time, and (iii) attire.

The West Indies team represents the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people of the region. In other words, they are our ambassadors abroad. Therefore, this type of faux pas is not permissible. Indeed, the team should be aiming to always strive to represent the best the West Indian people have to offer.

DERRICK NICHOLAS