Pondering on what article to write upon my return home from St. Croix, my task was made rather lighter as friends approached and advised that certain topics need to be published for public consumption. The concerns expressed by our Nevisian folks living there were convincing enough that I decided to address some of the issues and will continue doing so in due course.
Before doing so, however, allow me please to mention that I’ll forever treasure some invaluable and memorable moments listening to and in dialogue with two former outstanding West Indies cricketers, Michael Holding and Desmond Haynes.
These two esteemed gentlemen, on Stanford Twenty20 duty in St. Croix, really educated a small gathering on the benches at Schjang Ball Park during a St. Croix versus St. Thomas match. The matters discussed certainly gave the small group a great feeling of appreciation for their down to earth rapport with us. Answering questions, explaining events and really telling us as it is, gave us a touching effect of compassion.
Information shared and lessons learnt certainly gave an insight as to what our former players had to endure while being ambassadors for us, Caribbean people. The appreciation we have for our past players would be greatly magnified if we knew what they endured while playing mainly for their own pride and dignity, with sometimes not even a ‘thank you’ as compensation. What is rather amazing is that West Indies ruled the cricketing world during that period.
The history of our cricket could never be complete without some of the events that took place included. Stories that never reached the press, events that were simply dismissed because of politics and players who would literally give their lives to win a match and at the end of it walk away dead broke.
It was an enthralling experience and one that would bring laughter, tears to the eye and worthy appreciation for players who fought fierce battles and were victorious.
While on cricket, the strongest request I received was to write an article on the Nevis team that played in St. Croix last month. Although not witnessing what transpired, I decided to briefly touch on the subject because of the strong reports from individuals of whom I have the greatest respect.
In a nutshell, the attitude, behavior, mannerism and lack of respect displayed by our players have left a bitter taste in the mouths of Nevisians who went out to see and support them.
The less said on this subject the better. ‘However, although Nevis won both matches, no one mentioned a word about the game.’ What the players left in the memories of supporters were the negative displays that stunned.
That, however, did not prevent†or deter these very supporters†from donating drinks for the team, collecting monetary donations for the players and assisting in other way, despite being truly embarrassed and disappointed.
Manager Teddy (Blackman), Coach Burnett (Nutsy) Thompson and Captain Joel Simmonds all came in for high praise from those who spoke with me. “Our cricketers who leave Nevis to represent the island must know they are ambassadors and must act accordingly” were the words that stuck in my memory.
St. Croix has been a home away from home to Nevisian cricketers for decades. The relationships have always been lively, friendly and lasting. One honestly hopes that whatever transpired that caused such bitter feelings will soon be forgiven and our players will leave more pleasant memories for their supporters in the future.
