The Pioneers of the Smaller Islands
When we celebrate the glorious history of West Indies cricket, names like Richards, Lloyd, Holding, and Lara often dominate the conversation. But beneath the surface of the maroon legacy lies another group of men—players from the smaller islands—who carried their communities’ pride and ambition into regional and international cricket. They may not have become global superstars, but their courage and performances opened doors for generations to come.
In this first chapter of our series Unsung Heroes of Caribbean Cricket, we spotlight three trailblazers: Elquemedo Willett, Lockhart Sebastien, and Derek Parry.
🌟 Elquemedo Willett – The Trailblazer from Nevis
In 1973, history was made when Elquemedo Willett became the first cricketer from the Leeward Islands to play Test cricket. A left-arm spinner from Nevis, Willett debuted against Australia and instantly turned into a symbol of possibility for young cricketers across the smaller islands.
Though his Test career spanned just 5 matches, Willett’s influence stretched far beyond the scorecard. His success inspired selectors to look to the Leewards, paving the way for giants like Viv Richards, Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose, and Keith Arthurton. Today, Nevis proudly honors him with the Elquemedo Willett Park—a lasting tribute to the man who proved the small islands could shine on the world stage.
🌴 Lockhart Sebastien – Dominica’s Steady Opener
From Dominica came Lockhart Sebastien, a right-handed opening batsman whose hallmark was patience and discipline. Representing the Windward Islands and Combined Islands, Sebastien carried the fight against regional powerhouses like Barbados and Jamaica. His highest first-class score of 219 showed his skill and determination.
Though Test recognition never came, Sebastien became a pillar of Windwards cricket. His impact grew even stronger off the field: he later served as a team manager, selector, and sports officer, dedicating his life to the game. Sebastien’s story is one of commitment—proof that influence isn’t measured only in centuries or wickets, but in service and leadership.
🌀 Derek Parry – Off-Spin from the Leewards
Joining Willett in the early 1970s was Derek Parry, an off-spinner from St. Kitts. He played two Test matches in 1973 against Australia, during a time when the West Indies were still experimenting with spin options. While his international career was short, Parry was a mainstay in regional cricket for the Leeward and Combined Islands, offering control and guidance to younger players.
Parry’s contribution was not about headlines, but about presence. For every youngster in the Leewards who dreamed of Test cricket, his selection meant hope.
🌊 Legacy of the Pioneers
Willett, Sebastien, and Parry may not have filled the record books with milestones, but their true value lies in their symbolism. They carried the banner of the smaller islands, showing that the cricketing talent of the Caribbean was not confined to Barbados, Jamaica, or Trinidad. Their efforts helped convince the cricketing world that the Leewards and Windwards deserved recognition.
Every time a player from Nevis, Dominica, St. Kitts, or Grenada pulls on the maroon cap, they walk in the footsteps of these pioneers. The legacy of Willett, Sebastien, and Parry lives on—not as forgotten names, but as unsung heroes who lit the path for others to follow.
👉 Coming up in Part 2: Forgotten Batsmen Who Shone Briefly, we’ll revisit players like Leonard Baichan, Basil Williams, and Clayton Lambert, who grabbed the spotlight but never stayed in it for long.
