Mervyn Charles Richards is an Antiguan politician and former senator and junior Cabinet Minister.

Early life and education

Mervyn Richards is a born sportsman. He started playing Football at an early age along with his brothers Donald and world famous cricketer and Antigua & Barbuda's only living hero, Sir Vivian Richards. Mervyn grew up with his brothers in the Ovals community. 

He attended Ms. Ross Primary School, St. Michael's School and the Antigua Grammar School. Richard has pursued studies at the University of Canberra in Australia and the Centre of Excellence/Football in Trinidad and Tobago, in 2012 received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for Sports. ichards is also a trained telecommunications technician having studied and worked in a supervisory position for Northern Telecom in the USA.

Career

Richards was a long time football player. He began playing in the Premier Division in 1969 while still in Grammar School. He went on to play for the National Supa Stars (1973-1978) and the Lion Hill Spliff (1979-1983). In 1984, he joined the Cavaliers Football Club U.S.A. of the Eastern District Soccer League and continued with them until 1989 when he joined the Wadadli F.C. (U.S.A) club. He returned to the Premier Division in 1991 and closed out his career with the Lion Hill Spliff in 1994. During his career, he won championships in 1973, 1974, 1982 and 1983. He also won the EDSL championship in 1990. He made over 50 national apperances for Antigua & Barbuda and scored approximately 30 goals. In 1995, he was inducted into the football Hall of Fame. 

During and after his playing career, he coached and mentored hudnreds of young men. From 2004-2008, he served as President of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association.

Richards is a former Director of Sports in Antigua & Barbuda.

In March 2013, Richards was appointed to the Senate. In November 2013, he was appointed as Minister of State attached to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs with responsibility for Sports and Recreation, the Boys Training School and the School Meals Programme.

He unsuccessfully contested the 12 June 2014 election for the St. John's City South constituency, losing to incumbent Steadroy 'Cutie' Benjamin of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.

Personal life

Richards is married with three children.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2014 St. John's City South United Progressive Party 488 37.08% Lost to Steadroy Benjamin (ABLP)

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date Senator Senate UPP 15 March 2013 - 12 June 2014

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Minister of State attached to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs with responsibility for Sports and Recreation, the Boys Training School and the School Meals Programme 1 November 2013 - 12 June 2014