A man for all cultures: the careers of learie constantine

Abstract

Constantine (1902–1971) established himself on tour in England with the West Indies in 1928 as the first ‘superstar’ of Caribbean cricket. Employed as a professional by the Nelson club in the Lancashire League, he drew huge crowds from 1929 to 1937 and became perhaps the highest-paid cricketer in the world and one of the highest-paid sportsmen in Britain. During the Second World War he served the British Government by looking after West Indian workers in Britain for the Ministry of Labour. Afterwards he moved to London, was a highly successful broadcaster, and qualified as a barrister at the age of 52. Returning to his native Trinidad, he became chairman of Eric Williams's People's National Movement, a minister in Williams's first two administrations and finally Trinidad High Commissioner in London, resigning after a quarrel with Williams. He was elevated to the House of Lords with the title Baron Constantine of Nelson and Maraval, expressing is dual identity as Trinidadian and Black Briton. He was a principled Black Nationalist and Pan-Africanist whose historical significance has been oddly neglected, perhaps his fame was based on his prowess as the greatest entertainer among cricketers, with bat, ball and in the field. Black entertainers were acceptable in Britain during his lifetime as black politicians weren't.