By Clinton Swanston
Born on July 23, 1968, Warrington Dexter Phillip was one of the few cricketers from Jessups to represent the Leeward Islands after making a name for himself representing Nevis in the annual Leeward Islands cricket tournament.
My first knowledge of Warrington was when the selectors in St.Thomas, USVI failed to recognize his talent as a left arm spin bowler and did not find a place for him in their team. He returned to Nevis that same year, represented the island and carved out for himself a very productive and interesting career.
Playing for Nevis, Warrington had the distinction of breaking the record for the most number of wickets in a LI Tournament cricket season. Elquemedo Willett the excellent left arm spinner who was the first Leeward Islander to play for the West Indies incidentally held that record. Warrington did not stop at that but continued to break and reset that particular record in subsequent years and if I’m not mistaken, still holds on to it today.
He played for the Leeward Islands and performed well enough to have had former West Indies players calling on the selectors to pick him in the West Indies team, something that never happened. He was good enough as an all-rounder to be considered unfortunate not to have gotten into the West Indies team. His movements on the field of play were pleasingly graceful and commentators often compared him with his villager and former West Indies player and outstanding fielder, Keith Arthurton.
Warrington made his most recent appearances during the 2006 Stanford 20-20 Tournament and was quite instrumental in seeing Nevis through to the quarter finals after some very good showings.
I must state here that Warrington and myself always had brief and pleasant conversations on occasions when we meet. I cannot claim to know him very well but always had great respect, admiration and appreciation for the young man. He seemed to have a very good head on his body, an individual who set his priorities straight and did what was productive and meaningful to advance his future. Working at Four Seasons in a management position, going fishing to provide himself additional income, stepping aside from representing Nevis when he saw it necessary, but always willing to give words of advice and encouragement to the younger players. Sharing moments with him in the commentary box was also great pleasure and he was always willing to assist when necessary.
My main drive to write this article is due to what transpired between Warrington and myself on Monday, February 12. He came to my store sometime after 9 a.m. that day to purchase a youth sized T-shirt and as he approached the door, the radiance on his face, the posture exhibited, the strong looking, sturdy, fit and athletic body caused me to greet him with a firm handshake and question him about cricket.
What transpired for about 10 minutes between Warrington and myself, with my store manager Sheila chipping in now and then, was an awesome little conversation that was totally positive, enlightening and caring. His concerns about the young players being pushed aside without being given enough chances to redeem themselves after getting into mischief and committing certain infractions. His belief is that more positive role models should be involved in helping the youth along and maximizing their talents. It was truly refreshing talking with him and incidentally, the only time I had a one on one in depth conversation with him, I was really enlightened.
As I awoke on Saturday February 17 on St. Croix and heard that his wife Shermel was murdered and that he was a possible suspect, the feeling of utter shock penetrated my bones and remained for countless hours. Total disbelief, No! it cannot be the buoyant and positive young man who spoke so frankly with me less than a week before and seemed to have everything under total control.
After hearing that he was arrested on Wednesday February 20, and charged for the murder of his wife Shermel, I simply asked myself, what could have possible gone wrong? What could have transpired between Monday and Friday? I pray to God for answers.
To my friend King Dis an Dat, Shermel’s mother Audith and all relatives and friends, I sincerely express deepest sorry, sympathy and condolences. To Warringtons’ family as well, I do empathize and hope the burden that might be upon your shoulders at this time will be lifted.
Although my only knowledge of Shermel is simply seeing her and talking with her on a few business occasions, grief stricken is too light a word to explain my feelings. May her soul rest in peace.
