Jamaica’s Consul General visits Cricket Hall of Fame

Consul General Brown Metzger is presented with a souvenir bat by Hall of Fame’s president Denton McCalla.

Director of Cricket Hall of Fame Michael Chambers, left, greets Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Geneive Brown Metzger, who stopped off at the institution while on a recent visit to Hartford. Looking on is Hartford’s Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson.

 Jamaica’s Consul General visits Cricket Hall of Fame

     The newly appointed Jamaican Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger made a brief stop at the Cricket Hall of Fame during a recent visit to Hartford. The visit to Hartford was her first official function since being appointed to the post. While touring the facility, she expressed surprise to find such a “jewel” in the U.S. The Consul General, who grew up in the U.S., admitted that she did not have much knowledge of the game. However, she said that she was very happy and proud to see the pictures of so many of our West Indian cricket heroes on display at the institution.

     Stating that she is not a career diplomat, her areas of expertise are in marketing and public relations, Consul General Brown Metzger said that she plans to get out of the office and spend as much time as she can in the community meeting with the people she represents.

     The Consul General who arrived in Hartford on Saturday, April 5, spoke briefly at the West Indian Social Club’s 58th Anniversary Celebrations, where she was a guest. She began her visit earlier in the evening by meeting a number of local residents at a cocktail reception held in the club’s lounge.

     On the Sunday following, she read the lesson at a Thanksgiving Service held in her honor at the St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Hartford, participated in a Caribbean Trade Council (CTC) meeting with the city’s mayor Eddie Perez, representatives from other Caribbean consulates and members of the (CTC) and fielded questions from Jamaican residents at a Town Hall Meeting held at the club. Before returning to New York she stopped off at the Jamaica Progressive League’s Hartford branch and addressed them briefly.

Perfect batting stance: Consul General.
Ready to take on the bowler.

      Cricket Hall of Fame’s Director Michael Chambers explains a point to newly appointed Jamaican Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger, center, during her recent visit at the Hall of Fame’s facility. Looking on is Hartford’s Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson.

     Below, Consul General Brown Metzger is presented with a bottle of Cricket Hall of fame’s souvenir wine by Councilwoman Veronica Airey Wilson. Looking on is Hall of Fame’s member Pauline Davis, left and president Denton McCalla.

Greenidge, Haynes top Hall of Fame nominations

     Former star West Indies opening pair Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes tops a list of five persons who have been nominated to be inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame. This year’s ceremony is set for Saturday, September 20 at the Marriott Hotel, downtown Hartford. The other nominees are Florida cricket administrator Jeff Miller, co-founder of Lucas Sports Club in New York Mascelles Bailey and Mohamed Baksh, a member of the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Training and Examination Committee.

     The Rev. Canon Wilborne Austin, rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Bloomfield, Connecticut, will receive a presidential award for his services to the community.

     Greenidge, a Barbadian, one half of the West Indies’ prolific opening partnership with Haynes, began his career in 1974 against India and continued to play international cricket until 1991. A feared opening batsman, he played in 108 Test matches in which he scored 7,558 runs with 19 centuries. He is perhaps best known for his amazing double-double century performance against England in 1984.

     Haynes, also a Barbadian, was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1991. One of the greatest batsman to ever play for the West Indies, the muscular Haynes formed a formidable partnership with Greenidge which was integral to the success of the West Indies team in the 980s. Favoring a more measured approach to batting, unlike his counterpart Greenidge, Haynes compiled a redoubtable 7,487 runs in 116 Test matches at an average of 42.29. His highest Test innings came against England in 1984 with 184 off 395 balls.

     Miller, who began his cricket career as a youngster in his native Barbados, has established himself in the U.S. both as a player and an administrator. A fast bowler, he represented the U.S. in a number of international games, and has also served as chairman of the Northeastern Cricket Association while residing in New York. He moved to South Florida in 1986 and in 1990 was elected to the executive committee of the South Florida Cricket Assocation. In 2000 and 2001, he was appointed a member of the USA National Selection Committee. Currently he is a member of the City of Lauderhill Florida Organizing Committee for the Mayor’s Cup and is one of the persons responsible for the building of the Central Broward Regional Park Cricket Stadium.

     Bailey, originally from Jamaica, was a co-founder of The Bankers Athletic Cricket League in New York in 1971. A useful off-break and middle order batsman, Bailey also co-founded Lucas Sports Club with some well-known cricketers. The club reportedly is one of the only cricket clubs in New York that has its own club house. In addition to playing in the Metropolitan League, the oldest and one of the largest leagues in the U.S., Bailey has served that organization in various capacities.

     Baksh, a native of Guyana, from an early age, was involved with sports at various levels, serving on a number of community organizations and regional cricket boards. Having an abiding interest in cricket umpiring, he started officiating at matches at the age of 24 and has continued to do so ever since. Baksh has under his belt, more than a quarter century of officiating in Shell Shield and Red Stripe competitions in the West Indies. For a number of years, he was a member of the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Training Examination Committee.

     Canon Austin, another Barbadian, held several positions in Hartford, Connecticut prior to answering the call to the ordained ministry. Always a devout Anglican, his goal was always to become a priest in the faith. Since his ordination he has served faithfully as Priest at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church and Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. One of his responsibilities was the pastoral care of the parishioners. He paid visits to active, inactive and home-bound members. He ministers to individuals and conducted services to groups in various locations in the community earning the reputation for carrying out these duties faithfully with compassion and caring. “If I can help somebody as I travel on, then my living shall not be in vain,” is the motto that Canon Austin lives by.

Hartford mourns loss of one of its strongest cricket advocate

     Caribbean nationals across the United States and Canada are mourning the loss of Keith L. Carr Sr., O.M., one of the most entrenched activists of Hartford, Connecticut. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Carr died on Monday, January 7 at the Newington Healthcare Center, Newington, Connecticut, after a brief illness. He was 77.

     Considered by many as one of Hartford’s and Jamaica’s “favorite sons,” Carr was well known for his community involvement and his efforts to maintain and promote Caribbean culture. A former Executive Director of the West Indian Foundation, Inc., he played an integral part in the production and performances in Hartford of world class Caribbean events and international performers including the National Dance Theater of Jamaica, popular comedian Oliver Samuels and the World Calypso Monarch.

     The passing of Carr means that the cricket fraternity in Hartford has lost one of its strongest advocates. A staunch supporter for the promotion, development and growth of the sport in the U.S., in 1985, he was recognized for his efforts by being inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame. Contending that cricket which represents an integral part of West Indian culture, should be preserved in the city, through hard work and dedication, Carr was able to get some well needed improvements done to the cricket fields in the city’s Keney Park, which at one time were revered as the best cricket fields in the country.

     Possessing a strong interest in youths, Carr was also instrumental in the launching of a successful youth cricket program, which has been in existence for more than five years. His dedication to the program has resulted in Hartford youngsters not only getting the opportunity to showcase their cricketing skills against teams from Trinidad, Barbados, New York and New Jersey, but help from a qualified coach from Trinidad.

     His latest accomplishment for the program happened just last summer, when through his help a group of young cricketers from the Holmwood Technical High School of Jamaica, came here along with their well recognized coach to assist with the program. While here, the Holmwood youngsters also participated in the local competition.

     Carr’s community involvement in Connecticut began four years after he arrived in Hartford in 1959, when he joined the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. where he served as president and was a lifetime member.

     An avid supporter of culture and arts, Carr who is a former Chairman of the West Indian Independence Day Celebration committee, contributions extended to the field of business and as a recruiter for the Connecticut Migratory Children’s Program in. In the latter, he helped recently migrated families integrate into the wider society.

     Carr, whose passionate love and commitment to community loomed large, was showered with several lifetime achievement awards, the most recent being last May when he was honored as a community legend by the West Indian Foundation.

     He is survived by his children daughter, Glynda C. Carr of Brooklyn, New York, sons Keith L. Carr Jr. also of Brooklyn and Kurt D. Carr of Houston, Texas.

     In his memory, his family in conjunction with the Foundation has established the Keith L. Carr, Sr. Scholarship Endowment Fund to carry on his legacy of empowering young minds and connecting communities.

More information can he add by contacting (860) 243-8812.

Cricket Hall of Fame’s library gets big boost

     The Cricket Hall of Fame’s library got a big boost recently with the donation of a number of quality cricket books from 2006 inductee Dr. Constantine (Conny) Campbell. The donation was the fulfillment of a promise that he made during his induction at the ceremony which was held in Hartford, Connecticut.

     An outstanding player and contributor to the game, Campbell’s love for the game which he started playing as a youngster in Montego Bay, Jamaica, would cause him to travel as much as 500 miles from his home just to get in a game, after he migrated to Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada. He also was responsible for the establishment of a cricket team and played a big role in the development of the city’s first cricket field, which got rave reviews from the Cricketer Magazine in England...

     Campbell, who is considered a student and historian of the game, passion for the sport has led him over the years to collect a large selection of cricket, books, tapes and memorabilia, which is stored in his basement. After deep thought, he reportedly said that he decided to donate some his prized possessions to the Cricket Hall of Fame so that his legacy and that of the cricketers can be carried on.
 
     The books, most of which were written by some former greats of the game, are mostly biographies of past and recent West Indian, Australian, English and Pakistani players and memorable games. Others cover reports on various aspects of the game dating back from 1890 to the 1980s. Any true cricket lover would be happy to get his hands on any of these books.

     Among the selections donated are: “Rothmans Jubilee History of Cricket, 1890-1965” by John Arlott, “The Young Cricketer’s Companion” by Learie Constantine, “Gary Sobers King of Cricket’ By Alan Bestic, “West Indian Adventure With Hutton’s MCC Team 1953-54” by Michael Melford, “The West Indies in Australia 1960-61” by A. G. Moyes, and “Frank Worrell” by Ernest Eytte.

Cricketers may fade away but they are never forgotten

     Members of Hartford’s Cricket Hall of Fame’s committee have ever reason to be proud following the conclusion of their annual induction ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel, downtown Hartford, Saturday, September 22, 2007. The event which is held to honor former outstanding cricketers and individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to the sport and their communities, drew a large gathering which heard some of the stalwarts relive some of their experiences during their glory years in the game

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     The inductees, Mushtaq Mohammed of Pakistan, Chetan Chauhan of India (former Test players), Dr. Basil K. Bryan, Consul General of Jamaica, Isaac Pennycooke of Montreal, Canada, Hammy Reid and Kuldeap Prasad of New York, all expressed their gratitude for the honor that was bestowed on them.

     “It is nice to know that you are appreciated,” Mohammed, a former Pakistani all-rounder said, following his induction. “I felt honored when I received the letter from the Hall of Fame about my nomination. It made me realize that while cricketers in a sense may fade way they are not forgotten,” he said. “Tonight I feel on top of the world … young again. It is because of this game that I am standing before you today as a celebrity.”

     “Because of the introduction of one-day internationals, use of color clothing and the white ball, which was brought into play by the late Kerry Packer of Australia, and the now popular 20/20 tournaments, the game is somewhat different than when I used to play. These changes are for the better,” he said, “as the tournaments not only provide great entertainment but bring in money that makes it sure that the cricketers will be better paid for their performances.

     “Cricket today does not produce characters and celebrities of the former years,” he said, “the players are more aggressive and hostile. Missing is the human quality especially on the field of play which in the past led to it being described as the gentleman’s game.”

     Chauhan, former opening partner of Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, said that cricket is a great leveler. It made us good people. Now a television commentator in India, where the people are very passionate about the sport -- it is a sort of religion -- Chauhan said that it is cricket that brought him fame. “I am honored to be among this year’s inductee.”

     The new innovations to the sport, one-day internationals and 20/20 tournaments, has turned the players into commodities. They are now up for sale, he stated.

     Using the occasion to say goodbye to the people of Hartford, Dr. Bryan, who will be departing his post shortly, said that the community had a fine collection of people of which he is immensely proud. “My success is your success. I could not do it without your support,” he said.

     “Cricket is a continuation of your culture,” he said. Recounting his early relationship with the Cricket Hall of Fame which responded to an appeal he made for surgical gloves for health workers in Jamaica who were involved with the treatment of AIDS infected children, Dr. Bryan said that your response is an indication that although you were in a new country you have not given up on from whence you came.

     “Continue to work hard to build the community that you live in,” he urged the gathering. “Work hard but never forget your native land. “Community building is perseverance, dedication and sacrifice, being away from your family” he asserted.

     “Thanks for the memories. We must hold strong to our convictions and learn to love and honor our heroes.”

     During the ceremony Hartford’s mayor Eddie Perez brought greetings from the City Council and presented each inductee with a citation in recognition of their induction into the prestigious halls.

     Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson, a strong supporter of the Hall of Fame and who assisted the mayor during the presentation, was also honored with a certificate from the Cricket Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Hartford community.

Also present at the ceremony with his wife was the Consulate General of Pakistan Barry D. Hoffman S.Q.A., who is based in Westwood, Massachusetts.

Cozier nominated for induction into Cricket Hall of Fame

Well-known West Indian cricket scribe and commentator Tony Cozier of Barbados, right in picture, has been nominated to be an inductee into the Cricket Hall of Fame. Through the assistance of former renowned fast bowler Michael Holding, a past inductee, a team from the Cricket Hall of Fame that was in Kingston, Jamaica, for the Cricket World Cup, was able to contact and inform Cozier who has graciously accepted the nomination.

Cozier, who has been described by one writer as the ‘keeper of the flame,’ the unmistakable voice of West Indies cricket, will join a number of other notable cricket personalities who have already made it into the Hall of Fame. “He wears his love for the game (and the West Indies team) proudly but won’t hesitate to crack the whip when things are falling apart.”

Having seen the best and the worst of West Indies Cricket, Cozier, the dean of West Indies cricket commentators, is at his best talking about the glory days and equally passionate when discussing the low points, the writer added.

Located in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, the Cricket Hall of Fame which was established in 1981 is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help with the development and growth of the game in the United States. Each year it recognizes individuals both cricketers and non-cricketers, local and international who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.

Last year the institution celebrated its 25th anniversary at a gala event in which eight new members were inducted. This year’s induction ceremony is set for Saturday, September 22, at the Marriott Hotel, Hartford, Connecticut.

Mushtaq Mohammad to be inducted into Cricket Hall of Fame

Former Pakistani all-rounder Mushtaq Mohammad will be one of the inductees at this year’s Cricket Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony. The ceremony which each year draws international coverage is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, at the Marriott Hotel downtown Hartford, Connecticut.

One of Pakistan’s famous five, Mushtaq may not have been as gifted as his elder brother Hanif, but he went on to score more first-class centuries and take more wickets with his wrist-spin than any of his older siblings. In an international career that spanned three decades, he emerged from the classroom to become the youngest Test centurion in history.

Among the other international cricket personalities nominated to be inducted along with Mushtaq, are former Indian opener Chetan Chauhau and well known West Indian cricket scribe and commentator, Tony Cozier.

Chauhau, the former opening partner of Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, was described as one of the most courageous opening batsman in Indian cricket. With 10 century partnerships, the pair is the most successful Indian opening pair.

A team from the Cricket Hall of Fame that was in Kingston, Jamaica, for the Cricket World Cup, was able to contact and inform Cozier of his nomination, while there. He has graciously accepted.

Cozier, who is from Barbados, has been described as the ‘keeper of the flame,’ the unmistakable voice of West Indies cricket. “He wears his love for the game (and the West Indies team) proudly but won’t hesitate to crack the whip when things are falling apart,” one writer stated. Having seen the best and the worst of West Indies Cricket, Cozier, the dean of West Indies cricket commentators, is at his best talking about the glory days and equally passionate when discussing the low points, the writer added.

Located in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, the Cricket Hall of Fame which was established in 1981 is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help with the development and growth of the game in the United States. Each year, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals both cricketers and non-cricketers, local and international, who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.
Last year the institution celebrated its 25th anniversary at a gala event in which eight new members were inducted.

Cricket Hall of Fame’s Jamaica reception well received

Hartford’s Cricket Hall of Fame came in for high praises during the opening week of the International Cricket Conference’s (ICC) ninth Cricket World Cup, which took place in Jamaica. At an informal gathering hosted by the Hall of Fame at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica, former West Indian fast bowler and now a respected commentator Michael Holding lauded the innovators for their vision to start the Hall of Fame, the first of its kind in the world.

Michael holding addresses gathering at reception.
Looking on is Director Michael Chambers and present West Indies player Daren Powell.

A team from the organization who was in Jamaica to attend the historic CWC event used the reception as an opportunity to explain the existence of a Cricket Hall of Fame in the U.S. and the reason why it was established.

Director Michael Chambers and program coordinator Dolton James, who co-chaired the program, simultaneously narrated a slide presentation which depicted some of the action that took place at past induction ceremonies. They informed the gathering, which included former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding, class batsman Lawrence Rowe and present fast bowler Daren Powell, two inductees of the Hall of Fame, Lloyd Scott of New York and Conny Campbell of Ottawa, Canada, that the organization which was started by few visionaries in Hartford, Connecticut in 1981, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Holding, who was inducted into the institution in 2004 along with former Australian great Greg Chappell during a brief speech, said that “Tonight what I want to do is try to endorse the Hall of Fame. I know a lot of people have been very skeptical when they hear of a Cricket Hall of Fame in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A. When people start thinking Cricket Hall of Fame, the question asked is, what has that got to do with the U.S.A.”

“Well we all know that it was started by some West Indian people who wanted to leave something behind . . . some sort of legacy because we know that West Indians do not . . . write down a lot of things . . ,” he said.

“This Cricket Hall of Fame is not only about inducting sportsmen, but also administrators. If we do not have people to organize things we would not have too much cricket. Sometimes we get good cricket with bad administration, but we need both sides of the coin,” he said.

“I think that everyone that got inducted into the Hall of Fame felt very proud to be part of it. I know for instance that you gentlemen were told when you started the Hall of Fame in Hartford, Connecticut, how dare you to start a Hall of Fame for cricket. The portents saw it fit and went about doing it and after 25 years we have an established Cricket Hall of Fame. I am happy and feel greatly honored that I was asked to be part of the Hall of Fame,” he said.

From one generation of West Indies fast bowler to another, Holding said that he had brought Powell along to the function because “I wanted him to know what this Hall of Fame is all about. I want him to aspire to be in the Hall of Fame. All you have to do is win the World Cup and you could qualify as a Hall of Fame inductee,” he challenged Powell.

A highlight of the function was the performance of the 20-piece Music House String Ensemble. Directed by well known Jamaican music impresario Peter Ashbourne, the group whose members range in ages from 10-22, delighted the audience with a variety of popular classical pieces.

According to Angela Elliott, director of the Music House, the orchestra which has been in existence for the past three years is slowly making a name for itself throughout the Jamaica.

Hall of Fame’s team settle in for opening ceremony at new stadium in Trelawny, Jamaica.

Cricket World Cup: What a show!

For those who were not present at the new multi-purpose stadium in Trelawny, Jamaica, for the opening ceremonies of the International Cricket Conference’s (ICC’s) ninth Cricket World Cup opening ceremonies, Sunday, March 11, they certainly missed an experience of a lifetime.

The colorful spectacle, which showcased the musical culture of the Caribbean and some of the other countries who participated, Ireland, India and South Africa, was a sight to behold. It was an event that made Jamaica and the West Indies proud.

Dubbed “Caribbean Energy,” the opening ceremony mirrored a West Indian party – gradually building momentum before getting to a prolonged climax. Grabbed by the color and energy, some of the world’s leading cricket commentators were moved toexpress the belief that the West Indies

Dancers in colorful costumes perform at the opening ceremony

Unlike most Caribbean events the show started on time. It also seemed that the organizers were blessed because just as the ceremonies began the hot sun, which was blazing down on the thousands who came from many parts of the world, suddenly shutdown and was replaced with nature’s air-condition, a steady cool breeze coming in from the ocean that blew across the entire stadium.

The three-hour affair was so captivating that the capacity crowd remained in their seats until the end reveling in the historic moment.

As was expected the ceremony had a lot of Caribbean entertainers, with the likes of David Rudder, Marcel Montano, Byron Lee, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Third World, Beres Hammond, The I-Threes and the legendary reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who had the distinction of closing the show.

“The event was awesome, absolutely fabulous, and incredibly entertaining,” one spectator was heard to remark while leaving the venue. “Having seen it all, when your own people surpass your expectations, it gives you an immense feeling of pride, joy and satisfaction,” he said.

One member of a Cricket Hall of Fame’s team, which had journeyed to Jamaica for the event, Jessica Angelo-Julien, and who was visiting the island for the first time, described the ceremony as the jewel of the trip.

“What a sight to behold. Although I tried to hide it, I actually shed a tear of pride to see the precision of timing and accuracy that went with the whole program,” she said. “For once West Indians were on time for something. The ceremony was something set for royalty and better. Starting with a marching band and speeches by several dignitaries, the entertainment and the fireworks seen for miles was unbelievable,” she stated.

“What I liked most about the ceremony was the diversity. Although it was set in the West Indies it was not only West Indian entertainment. There were Indian dancers on stage, some on the spot in the audience, Africans, and others from the sister islands showing their support at the ceremony. The combination of colors blended with costumes, the like of which we might never see here in our local parade or anywhere else. Speechless is the word and the beauty for what I experienced on March 11, 2007,” she concluded.

The tournament is now in full progress and based on the results, the West Indies are not doing too good. There is a strong possibility that they may not make it to the finals. Whether they do or not, one thing is sure, as far as the opening ceremony is concerned the West Indies have walked away proud winners.

Eight new members inducted into Cricket Hall of Fame

Cricket Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, October 7, with a gala ceremony at the fabulous Marriott Hotel, downtown Hartford, which featured the induction of eight individuals, four internationals (one posthumously) and four locals.

The internationals were former England captain Tony Greig, former Indian Test player Syed Abid Ali and Australian mogul, the late Kerry Packer. Local inductees included Denzil Powell of New York, Lloyd G. Scott of New York, Conny Campbell of Ottawa, Canada, Vincent Hosang of New York and Leonard Wilson of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Greig, who is in India doing duties at the International Cricket council (ICC) tournament  was inducted via telephone. In his response, he praised the merits of the game saying that cricket is responsible for making a lot of great friendships.

Ali who has established himself as one of the top cricket coaches in the world, was responsible for helping the U.S. team make it to the 2001 ICC tournament.

Pat White, President of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), who introduced Scott, explained how he (Scott) persevered to pass the tests to qualify as a first class umpire. Scott, he said, went on to establish the United States of America Cricket Umpires Association (USACUA), which now boasts more than 100 members. Scott was also instrumental in getting the WISCUA to hold its convention in New York, he said.

Campbell, who is originally from Jamaica, was recognized for his role in developing cricket in Canada and for the building of a wicket that was recognized by authorities of the game in England.

The biggest applause for the night, however, went to Powell of Poughkeepsie, New York. A very humble individual, also originally from Jamaica, not getting the cooperation of his city officials, Powell took it upon himself to purchase land and build his own cricket field. The facility has today become the recreational meeting place in his community.

A successful businessman in the River Valley area, Powell said that he did it as a means of giving back to a community that has supported him throughout the years. “My greatest delight,” he said, “is to see the youngsters in the area making use of the facility.”

Wilson was rewarded for the role he played in the game in the state of Connecticut and his community including the founding of the Bridgeport Cricket Club.

Hosang, a successful businessman in New York, who is well-known in the Caribbean community for devoting his services and time to help improve the lives of others, was recognized for his financial contributions to the sport in New York. He was represented by his son Brian at the function.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first Cricket Hall of Fame’s ring to former West Indies fast bowler, Dr. Michael Holding. He was selected to receive the ring in recognition of the services that he has rendered the institution since his induction two years ago. Beginning next year all future inductees will receive a Cricket Hall of Fame ring. Members of the Cricket Hall of Fame’s Committee were also presented with commemorative rings.

In a brief address Dr. Holding advised youngsters who are interested in playing the sport, to play and enjoy the game. “It will go a long way in making you a better person,” he said. “Cricket “is a great game. It is about team work, making friends, building character, learning and growing.”

Dr. Holding made an appeal to the mayor to help the Hall of Fame obtain a bigger building so that it can become a big attraction in the city. “This Hall of Fame is unique,” he said, “because it does not only honor people who bat and bowl but individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport and their community.”

Tribute was paid to two former stalwarts of the game, former England fast bowler Freddie Trueman and Clyde Walcott, formerly of the West Indies’ Three Ws, who passed away earlier in the year. Another former West Indian player, Attorney Rudolph Cohen, said that although they approached the game differently, they (Trueman and Walcott) made tremendous contributions to the sport that they loved. The two outstanding players lived for the game, he said.

A number of past inductees, stalwarts of the game and some of the visionaries who are responsible for the establishment of the Cricket Hall of Fame in Hartford, were recognized for their insight.

Former West Indies’ fast bowler ambassador Courtney Walsh, views “Wall of Fame” and other exhibits during visit to Cricket Hall of Fame. Walsh impressed with Cricket Hall of Fame

Former West Indies’ fast bowler, Ambassador Courtney Walsh, who was in Hartford, Monday, October 9, with a Cricket World Cup promotional team, paid a brief visit to the Cricket Hall of Fame before returning to New York, where the promotion began.

Walsh was a part of a team of organizers of the Jamaican leg of the tournament, who was in Hartford on a Cricket World Cup promotional road show, which is designed to lure as much of its nationals to return home during the event. The former holder of the most wickets taken in test cricket, Walsh said that he was every impressed with the exhibits on display at the Hall of Fame. He also apologized for not being able to make it to the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony, which was held the previous night (Saturday, October 7).

At the promotional presentation held at the West Indian Social Club, Walsh encouraged the gathering to come home for the event. “The West Indies may never host this event again,” he said, “so it is important for those in the Diaspora to experience it. The Jamaican tourism package for the event is the ‘hottest’ and a package that you should not miss,” he said, predicting victory for the West Indies in the tournament. “Support from the fans will be of great help,” he said, “so the greater the number at the games should help to ensure a West Indies’ victory.”  

Jamaica will host the opening ceremonies of the tournament on March 11, 2007, followed by six first round games and one semi-final match.

Still in good shape, the former popular player said that he has gotten the feeling to begin playing again, but suggested that it may be just in “curry goat” games.

Before exiting the Hall of Fame for the return trip to New York, he was presented with a commemorative bat and spent some time signing autographs for adoring fans.

Senator Franklyn visits Cricket Hall of Fame

Senator Delano Franklyn, Minister of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, paid a brief visit to Hartford’s Cricket Hall of Fame, Saturday, October 28. The senator who is responsible for the preparation of the Jamaican leg of the Cricket World Cup, which will be staged next year, was in Hartford for a Town Hall meeting.               

At the meeting held at the West Indian Social Club, he fielded questions on tourism development, the economy, trade, government’s spending on the World Cup, road conditions, crime and a literacy program.                                                             
Government’s investments into the tournament should not be looked on just at its dollar value, he said. “The event is more than just cricket. The tournament is set to reach a television audience of 2.5 billion and as a result the country stands to derive great exposure internationally. The opportunities that will arrive because of the tournament, should greatly impact the economy and our development on a whole. The developments and repairs that are taking place within the infrastructure, like the resurfacing of roads and the upgrading of hospitals, will be of great benefit to the country long after the tournament is over,” he said.

Before leaving the Hall of Fame, Senator Franklyn was briefed on the institution’s history by its director Michael Chambers, who presented him with an attaché case, a souvenir booklet, a commemorative bat and the book which was published by the Hall of Fame.

Senator Franklyn said that he was impressed with what is taking place at the Hall of Fame and promised to help spread word about the institution.