Willett gets national honour

The Vincentian cricket fan will remember him. For while he was mesmerizing the Jamaican batsmen on his way to spearheading the Combined Islands to an emphatic triumph over Jamaica, the announcement was made of his inclusion to the West Indies cricket squad. Nearly 33 years after, the Nevisian has been honoured in his country. {{more}}

Regarded as one of that tiny island’s greatest living sporting legends, Elquemedo Tonito Willett became thefirst person to be inducted in that island’s Hall of Fame.

In a fitting ceremony at the Nevis Sports Museum last Tuesday, Willett was named the island’s national hero. Hundreds of Nevisians from all walks of life led by the Deputy Governor General for Nevis, His Honour Eustace John, and sporting personalities and administrators from across the region, joined hands in ushering Willett into the higher level of his calling.

Honourable Premier, Vance Amory, one of the Combined Island’s cricket legends, bestowed that vestige on him.

Amory traced Willett’s pioneering qualities and one knowledgeable of the region’s history, Amory recalled:

“As the first Leeward Islander to play for the West Indies and the one who paved the way for so many other outstanding players from Nevis and from the Leewards generally, Willett blazed the trail for all of those persons who followed him.”

Giving brief remarks was former test player Anderson Roberts, who played with Willett. He told the gathering that it must never be forgotten that Elquemedo Willett was the first Leeward Islander to play for the West Indies. He described him as an honest sportsman whose character was impeccable, his integrity unblemished, and his ability outstanding.