ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

One of Antigua and Barbuda's historic churches and a tourist attraction - The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Divine, has received a generous donation from Mrs. Grathel Richards, mother of Antigua and Barbuda National Hero, Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards.

Presentation of Cheque to the Dean by Grathel Richards, Mother of Sir Vivian Richards

Mrs. Richards presented a cheque for over £25,000 to the dean of the cathedral, the Very Reverend J. Rudolph Smithen today, in the presence of Sir Viv's brother, Mervyn Richards, The Hon. Paul Chet Greene Minister of Sports, Trade, Industry, Commerce, Culture & National Festivals and representatives of The office of the National Authorising Officer and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.  

The money was raised at a celebrity studded fund raising dinner held in honour of Sir Vivian Richards by the Lord’s Taverners and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in September.

The Lord’s Taverners is one of the UK’s leading youth sports and disability charities who currently donate over £3 million pounds per year to programmes that give young people particularly those with special needs the opportunity to engage in Cricket and other sports.
 
Funds raised from the dinner were split between two charities, with the Lord’s Taverners receiving 50% and with 50% going to the St John’s Cathedral Antigua Restoration Project.

This cause was chosen by Sir Vivian as one that is close to his heart, having been encouraged by his mother.

The Hon Asot Michael Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment & Energy while speaking at the Lord's Taverners Dinner in September said "The funds that will be raised for Sir Viv’s Charity, The St John’s Cathedral Restoration Fund will go a long way to restoring one of most iconic landmarks in our nation. For that most generous gesture we are most grateful.”

The funds will provide a substantial contribution toward the restoration of one of the nation’s most historic landmarks.