Manjaker Claxton: The Super Athlete

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS — The late Manjaker Claxton, a celebrated footballer from Nevis and an accomplished all-round sportsman, left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape both at home and abroad.

Mr Claxton, who later lived in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and subsequently in Antigua, was interviewed in 2024, during which he reflected on his remarkable sporting career and shared memories of his many achievements across several disciplines.

Among his lesser-known contributions was his more than 20 years of service as a cricket umpire in the BVI. Recalling how he became involved in umpiring, Claxton explained that he would sometimes attend cricket matches only to discover that there were no umpires available. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, he volunteered his services.

His passion and versatility were perhaps most evident in football. Claxton was regarded as a top-class footballer and represented a number of teams throughout his career. Remarkably, he played almost every position on the field, including goalkeeper, demonstrating his exceptional versatility and understanding of the game.

One of his fondest football memories came during a match in St. Vincent, where he represented the BVI against the national team. Claxton proudly recalled scoring the only goal for the BVI in that encounter, an achievement he regarded among the highlights of his football career.

His exploits extended well beyond football. Claxton was also an accomplished cricketer, and when asked about his best performance in the sport, he recalled a memorable match against Nevis at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, while representing the BVI.

Reflecting on the match, he recalled:

“When I got to the crease, we were 30-plus for seven. Hobson and I put on a partnership of over 100 runs, and I eventually was not out on 80-plus.”

His ability with both bat and ball was further demonstrated in a local BVI match against the Bucks, where he produced an extraordinary bowling performance by taking all 10 wickets in one innings.

Claxton’s sporting talents also extended to softball, where he came close to earning selection to the national team.

From football to cricket, umpiring and softball, Manjaker Claxton exemplified the true meaning of a multi-talented athlete. His willingness to contribute, whether as a player, official or mentor, reflected a lifelong passion for sport and a commitment to excellence.

His remarkable sporting journey across Nevis and the wider Caribbean serves as a lasting reminder of the versatility, determination and competitive spirit that characterised one of Nevis’ outstanding sporting figures.