Vivalyn Latty was born in Jamaica in 1939. Her international career began in 1970 playing for Jamaica against a touring England team led by Rachael Heyhoe. The right hand batter and off break bowler was one of the few players in the Jamaica team able to match the England team on the field.
In 1973 Miriam Knee’s Australians toured before both teams went to the World Cup later that same year. In the unofficial Test match, Vivalyn, held firm against the might of the opposition attack and top scored with 54. She then took 2-33, including the wicket of top scorer Dawn Rae for 95.
At the World Cup in Jamaica’s first official fixture, Vivalyn’s 61 runs helped the team secure victory over Young England. She scored one more half century in the tournament. The next and final game of her ODI career was representing the news West Indies team.
To Test cricket and Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, Vivalyn and the West Indies team made their debut under the leadership of Louise Browne. The match was drawn but history was made when Vivalyn took 5-48, being one of very few to take a five wicket haul in her Test debut.
She played ten Test matches for West Indies, touring India and England. Her top score of 51 not out at Jammu in 1976.