National Assembly pays tribute to the late Elvis ‘Star’ Browne

Photos of the late Elvis “Star” Browne’s funeral on Thursday are courtesy of Keethon France.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 29TH 2011 (CUOPM) – The St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly paid tribute to national football star, coach and administrator, Mr. Elvis “Star” Browne, minutes before his funeral service began at the nearby St. Georges Anglican Church on Thursday.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said he had the opportunity to be one of his teachers when he was a student at the Basseterre High School and he has been a friend and comrade.

“We will miss him. His passing has been so untimely,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who visited “Star” Browne, while he was a patient at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. The last visit was on September 19th, the day before he died when Dr. Douglas spent several minutes at his bedside.

Dr. Douglas said the early adjournment of the lawmaking body to allow members to attend the funeral service is part of the respect by the Parliament, Government and Country to say farewell to “a proud star, “Star Browne.”

“I had many, many years as a friend of “Star” and recently during the five year period from 2000 to the end of 2004, and then up to 2006 as Minister responsible for Sports, including the period when he first took ill. “Star” was a senior Sports Coach and eventually as Deputy Director of Sports. I have also played sports with “Star” and have been involved in numerous meetings and social occasions,” said Minister of Tourism and International Transport on the adjournment of Thursday’s sitting of the lawmaking body.

Sen. Skerritt said the passing of “Star” Browne is a tremendous loss with his absence from the sporting arena, particularly in soccer, with his illness and now with his passing.

Minister of Sports, the Hon. Glen Phillip expressing his deepest condolences to the family of the late Elvis “Star” Browne hailed his organizational skills in football.

“He was dedicated and committed to the cause of teaching his craft to our young people. He will be sorely missed as an individual. He has been a friend and his passing is a tremendous loss to the sporting fraternity, especially football and the lives of the many young people whom he has touched,” said Minister Phillip.

“Star Browne stood and was among the best that our country stands for. I too like the senator opposite had a long history with “Star,” said Opposition senator, the Hon. Vincent Byron, who recalled the close working relationship not only in school sports but also as members of Chelsea and Tiffin in local and overseas games.

“Star was always a competitor, Star was an honest guy, who loved sports, not only football but also loved cricket and was also pretty good on the 100 meters and high jump. His loss would be felt by those who knew him whether as a colleague but also as a coach and a teacher who moulded the lives of many young men and even young women, as he also coached the female team. His passing at this time is a great loss to us,” said Sen. Byron.

Also paying tribute was Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Curtis Martin.

The late Elvis “Star” Browne has been described as a “coach extraordinaire” and “one of the best in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The St. Kitts Nevis Football Association, in paying tribute, has described his contribution to football as “immeasurable”.

It was his vision to take football beyond the ordinary that made him stand out as a coach, as a person and as a friend. He was fun to be around. He worked hard and he played hard and his contribution will never be forgotten for it is acknowledged that he went beyond the call of duty. His enthusiasm was infectious.

In an honouring ceremony held for him, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor said that he must “personally thank Star for his contribution to the positive morals he has helped to instill in the youths of his community.”

According to The St. Kitts Nevis Football Association, “Elvis ‘Star” Browne was a member of the Village Superstars, St. Kitts-Nevis National team, and the head coach of the National Team from 2002-2004. He was also the coach of the Women’s National team.

He is credited with starting the summer youth academy which was later renamed in his honour the “LIME/Elvis “Star” Browne Football School of Excellence” which has propelled many of the Federation’s great footballers such as Keith “Kayamba” Gumbs, Atiba Harris and Jevon Francis.”