PM Douglas pays tribute to local businessman and former cricketer Leroy Coury

The late Leroy Coury

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 26TH 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has paid tribute to Mr. Leroy Coury, local businessman and former national cricketer at the close of his press conference on Wednesday.

The owner of Coury’s Superette and Coury’s Wholesale and former St. Kitts and Leeward Islands and Combine Islands cricketer died on Monday.

“We would like to pay our respects and to pay tribute to the late Leroy Coury. As you would have heard Mr. Coury passed away on Monday the 22nd of October. I make mention of him because he has been a stalwart in the distributive trade sector,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He noted Mr. Coury’s contribution to St. Kitts, and Leeward Islands cricket.

“We also would be aware he was one of our successful cricket sporting heroes. His left arm spin bowling has mesmerized not only regional and local cricket players, but those of international acclaim as well. So I want use this opportunity I’m sure on behalf of the Press as well, to express condolences to his dear wife and family who are left to mourn,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.

Nevisian Curtis Morton penned the following on the late Leroy Coury.

Leroy Coury, the man who in 1979 declared that he would like to be remembered as ‘the man who bowled Garfield Sobers,’ has passed.

CRICINFO makes one reference to a Coury of St. Kitts, a leg break and googly bowler. Coury was indeed a leg break and googly bowler from St. Kitts and it is quite possible that a mistake was made with the first name.

The bowling statistics of the individual are as follows: First class batting averages: 7 matches; 13 innings; 3 not outs; 59 runs; highest score of 15 not out; average of 5.50

First class bowling averages: 7 matches; 620 runs; 11 wickets; best bowling figures of 3 for 72; average of 56.36.

Coury, a well known businessman in St. Kitts, operated a store in Basseterre and sold a multiplicity of items. However, he maintained a close link with the game as he always had an area designated for cricket gear.

He was also known for his generous sponsorship of especially cricketing events and was known to have assisted many a young cricketer with free gear.