Left: That's how you do it! Sir Vivian Richards gives a few batting tips to Cheryl Watson-Pink. Right: She might not have hit any sixes or fours but Tanice Morrison was happy to try out at the Johnnie Walker cricket press briefing and reception. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

The grip of the bat hasn't changed and the technique is still flawless. Too bad he's retired, the West Indies could still use him.

Sir Vivian Richards, a member of the West Indies World Cup-winning teams of 1975 and 1979, is now a spokesperson and ambassador for Johnnie Walker's 'Know Your Boundaries' campaign which advocates responsible drinking.

So, a number of media personnel and otherguests, most of whom would never have seen the 'Master Blaster' play in person, gathered at Red Stripe's headquarters on Spanish Town Road to see the West Indies great at the campaign's launch on Tuesday.

Money for charity

As an official sponsor of the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup, Johnnie Walker promised to donate US$1 million for the first batsman to hit six consecutive sixes in one over. South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs did just that, and Habitat For Humanity will receive the donation. To raise even more money for the charity, every individual who hit one for six at the press conference would help to raise more money.

So after all the speeches, Sir Viv led the contingent out to Red Stripe's grounds and those who know a few things about the sport and those who just wanted to try it out took turns trying to reach the boundary. Sir Viv was also there to give some advice on everything, from holding the bat to how to strike those excellent boundaries. Plus you know his wrists, the ones on the field that is.

"Bwoy, these bats heavy, man!" said the WI great. If he says so, then much wouldn't have been expected of the rest of the gathering. But with a few hefty blows, some guests actually got the ball over the ropes to everyone's delight. After the 'coaching session', guests filed back into the Red Stripe Vibes sports bar and enjoyed cocktails, while Sir Viv did a few one-on-one interviews. That led the way for some hip-shaking music from a host of entertainers, including Dwight Richards and Dean Fraser.

Left: Now that's good whiskey! (From left) Nikeisha Francis, Keteisha McCulloch, Christopher Beckford, Michelle Beckford and Diana Ricketts showing off bottles of the good old Johnnie Walker Black Label at the launch of the brand's responsible-drinking campaign.Right:Managing Director of Red Stripe, Mark McKenzie (left), chats with Sir Vivian Richards (centre) and Lawrence Turnbull, financial director.