By: T. Chapman
Knighthood for Elquemedo Tonito Willett MBE!!
Nevis’s most celebrated cricketer, Elquemedo T. Willett, is the first player from Nevis and the entire Leeward Islands to represent the West Indies in Test cricket, yet 53 years and 1 day later, Federal Governments of the past and present have failed to honour this hero. The time is NOW!!
His debut in 1973 at Kensington Oval in Barbados against Australia, marked a groundbreaking moment for Nevis and cricket in the region.
Willett’s selection into the West Indies team opened the flood gates to fellow Leeward Islanders, the likes of Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Derick Parry Keith Arthurton, Stuart Williams, Carl Tuckett, Runako Morton and Kieran Powell.
While his contributions to the sport have earned him lasting recognition, including the honor of being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and receiving the first gold Jacket from the Leeward Islands Cricket Board, it is difficult to understand why Mr Willett hasn’t been honoured by the Federal Government to date.
Willett’s feat merits significant recognition for his accomplishment is responsible for enhancing the Tourism product of both Nevis and St.Kitts immensely.
The time is nigh for the Hon Dr Terrance Drew led St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party Government to honour this outstanding son of the Federation by having him Knighted, it’s not only deserving but long overdue.
