Sir Everton’s excellent innings ends in fitting tribute

Despite falling just short of another century in his final innings, during his lifetime Sir Everton DeCourcy Weekes used his bat as a beacon, a bridge and baton.

Sir Everton, who died on July 1 at the age of 95, was today remembered as a man who epitomized the standard of excellence both on and off the cricket field, during an official funeral service at Kensington Oval.

Long before his lily-white casket, which bore the insignia of the West Indies crest, appeared just after 9 a.m. at ‘The Mecca’ for the last time escorted by a Guard of Honour, hundreds of Barbadians, past and present cricketers and cricket enthusiasts, had already made their way into the venue to pay their last respects.

Among them were Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her entire Cabinet along with members of Parliament, Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Conde Riley, Barbados’ only living National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Wes Hall, Joel Garner and Brian Lara.

Members of the West Indies cricket team, including captain Jason Holder, were unable to attend as their flight from England which was scheduled to arrive yesterday was postponed due to the inclement weather.

West Indies spinner Ashley Nurse stood in on the skipper’s behalf.

In his sermon, Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels, Reverend Dr Jeffrey Gibson hailed Sir Everton’s well-played innings.

He said while the last of the iconic three W’s will be remembered for his cricketing genius, most notably his record of scoring five consecutive Test centuries, he was much more than a cricketer.

Dean Gibson said despite his many accomplishments, Sir Everton remained humble and was a father-figure to many.

“Some of us will be stroke makers and score fours and even the occasional six, while others will accumulate runs with neatly-taken singles and well-judged twos and threes. The important thing is that while we are at the crease we are called to be true to ourselves and to make our contribution to the team; the human race, selflessly, with confidence and with due consideration for the well being of everyone. That constitutes a well-played innings,” Reverend Gibson said.

“In reflecting upon the skills and achievements of our departed brother Sir Everton, many have attested to the innings that he played, both on and off the field. In fact, those who only have known him off the field have experienced a remarkable man, a man who displayed virtues which have broadened our horizons and enhanced the quality of our friendships and relationships.

“His innings was graced with humility, the quiet virtue, which allowed him to enjoy excellence at the highest level but to remain conscious of his roots. He walked with royalty and feasted with knights but he never lost the common touch,” he added.

Vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles eulogized his friend Sir Everton as a man who proved anything was possible.

He said while Sir Everton had “departed to a higher pavilion”, his achievements had paved the way for countless others.

Sir Hilary said Sir Everton had come from humble beginnings to become one of the best batsmen the world had ever seen.

“If ever a bat became a bridge, if a bat became a beacon, if ever a bat became a baton, it was the bat in the hands of Everton DeCourcy Weekes…

“…A people can be enchained, a people can be disenfranchised, a people can be tortured and tormented, but their intellect and eternal inner sovereignty can never be driven from the fertility of their souls,” Sir Hilary pointed out.

Adrian ‘Hockey’ Donovan who spoke on behalf of the family, described Sir Everton as a man who had a great sense of humour and who was always accommodating to those he met.

There were also tributes from Riley on behalf of the BCA, Ian Bradshaw on behalf of the Cricket Legends of Barbados, President of the Empire Cricket Club Adrian King and Dr Akashai Mansingh who spoke on behalf of Cricket West Indies, as president Ricky Skerritt was unable to attend the funeral.

The funeral procession then made its way to the University of the West Indies’, Cave Hill Campus for the internment.

Sir Everton was buried alongside Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, the other two, who with him made up the 3W’s.
randybennett@barbadostoday.bb