Learie Constantine, Baron Constantine of Maraval and Nelson (b. September 21, 1901 in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, d. July 1, 1971 in Hampstead, London) was a cricketer, broadcast journalist , administrator, lawyer, and politician.

The son of Lebrun Constantine, a cricketer, he worked in a solicitor's office before beginning a career in cricket. He made his debut while touring England in 1928. The following year, Constantine moved to England and joined the Nelson team in the Lancashire Cricket League . Against England in 1930, Constantine bowled West Indies to their first win in a test match. He also played an important role in West Indies winning the series against England in 1934-35.

A dashing all rounder, Constantine at his peak was a mercurial bowler of genuine pace, an athletic fielder in an era where such men were the exception rather than the rule, and a flashing stroke player capable of tearing any attack to shreds on his day. In the days before West Indians were seen in county cricket, Constantine became a legend in the highly competetive Lancashire Leagues where his deeds, and demeanour, are remembered to this day. He was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1940.

After retiring from cricket, he became a commentator for the British Broadcasting Corporation. During World War 2, Constantine worked as a welfare officer for the Ministry of Labour . Based in Liverpool, his main responsibility was to help West Indian immigrants find employment in Britain. In 1943, Constantine was refused service in a British hotel because of his colour. He took the owners of the hotel to court and won his case. Later he wrote Colour Bar (1954), with his friend, C. L. R. James. The book dealt with racial prejudice in Britain. After studying law, Constantine gained entrance to the English bar in 1954. Later he returned to Trinidad and Tobago where he became involved in politics.

A member of the People's National Movement, he served in the government as minister of community works and utilities. When Trinidad gained independence, he became his country's first high commissioner in London. In 1964 he resigned but stayed in Britain where he held several important positions. This included being a governor of the BBC, a member of the Race Relations Board and the Sports Council . In 1969 Constantine became the first person of African descent to be given a life peerage. Learie Constantine died of lung cancer in Hampstead, London, on July 1, 1971.

External links

• Biography by George John.