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| Kemmedoe - Humble in His Greatness |
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Whether it was by coincidence or not, it was truly a fitting day for honoring Elquemedo Willett on July 28, the date on which Sir Garfield Sobers was born. This decision speaks volumes and the NIA must be congratulated for doing the honors for our Nevisian hero.
It was in 1967 or perhaps 1968 when a group of us decided to go do battle for Charlestown Secondary School against Boys School because we were hounded by a name, "Kemmedoe".
As unofficial and unknown to the CCS staff about the game, we went to Charlestown Boys school ground on a Thursday afternoon and there is where I got my first sight of the slim chap that possessed that unfamiliar name.
Barely strolling around the ground, his name echoed repeatedly throughout the duration of the game and when he eventually got the opportunity to bowl, we all became mystified. Landing deliveries wide of the leg stump, the ball spun viciously away from leg to off leaving all of us baffled.
His only delivery to me in that match was wide of leg stump but came back in and hit the pad. Umpire Oban Lawrence sent me on the way. After the match I tried to question teacher Oban about the LBW law ruling that stated that a ball that pitched outside leg should not be ruled out. I guess it did not matter and life continued as normal.
Elquemedo Tonito Willett made it on to the Nevis team the following year and was an immediate success. Prior to that, however, his God-given talents were spotted by Nevis captain Edmund Arthurton, who never relented on his new find. It is probably because of that why Quemedo was into the Nevis team at that early age.
Edd’s investment paid handsome dividends in record time. Those talents were soon displayed on the cricket field especially when the ball was in Willett’s hand or any place within his reach. He skillfully demonized batsmen throughout the Leeward Islands especially, and beyond, with magical genius.
He spun the cricket ball like a top and possessed the ability with subtle variations to outfox most batsmen. Using great flight variations and a cricket brain that so few Caribbean bowlers today seem to possess, Willett was a joy to behold and with a smile always on his face, wrought havoc against all teams.
Willett was part of the Nevisian trio that brought pride and joy to our island. When Combined Islands played we all spoke about Sargeant, Willett and Amory.
Willett made it to the West Indies team in 1973 and at the age of 19 became the first Leeward Island player and Nevisian to accomplish that historical dream and feat. As Nevisians we all were tremendously pleased, elated and proud. Willett had done it and Nevis was on the map because of Elquemedo Willett.
For twenty years Elquemedo Willett displayed genuine professionalism and cricketing genius. Government Road, Nevis, Leeward Islands and Combined Islands benefited greatly from his expertise and our game here on Nevis reached highest heights during that period.
The West Indies were blessed with his presence for only 5 test matches over a two-year span and at the age of 21, he played his last test match. Certainly, this was no justice for one who possessed such amazing and extraordinary talents. An exemplary fielder in the gully, a brilliant all-round fielder and a batsman who was good enough to score first class half centuries. His test career was short but the value cannot be measured in years or figures.
He, however, paved the way for other greats: Sir Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Derrick Parry, Keith Arthurton, Stuart Williams, Richie Richardson, Ridley Jacobs, Winston and Kenneth Benjamin, Carl Tuckett, Runako Morton and others. His task was not easy but naturally he demonstrated the rare quality of humility and pride.
Renaming Grove Park to the Elquemedo Tonitto Willett Park was inevitable and is really doing justice to a son of the soil whose life has been a living example for all Nevisians who want to excel from the barefoot, short pants status to a hero on the world stage. As sports officer at Charlestown Primary School for a number of years, Nevis certainly has every reason to celebrate and be proud of our heritage.
The humility of this icon has been part and parcel of his entire life. I usually refer to him as the man with the history because Willett, like no one before or after his, has been able to put Nevis on the map the natural way.
The Mighty Swallow in paying tribute to Willett many, many ago said "CONGRATULATIONS! from all Antiguans. On July 28, 2010 I added my voice to the thousands who publicly and privately repeat those congratulatory remarks to this humble easy going icon.
I consider myself very fortunate to have been closely associated with this gentleman who can honestly be considered a friend to all. Congratulations! Kemmedo. May all the best in life be yours, and to your family also, God's blessings, good health and long life wishes to you.
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