Runako Morton laid to rest

ZIZ News…March 19 2012 — Hundreds of mourners, comprising of family members, current and past cricketers and cricket officials and members of the general public, showed up at the ET Willet Park on Saturday 17th March to show final respects to the late Runako Morton.

The lengthy home going service commenced as early as 11.30 am with glowing tributes paid on behalf of the former West Indies middle order batsman, in poetry, songs and speeches.

The coffin bearing the remains of the fallen hero, who died in a tragic road accident in Trinidad, was wheeled close to the main square where a stage had been erected. The pall bearers included Chris Gayle, former West Indies captain and Wavell Hinds, Vice President of WIPA. The entourage passed through an impressive showing of local cricketers and representatives of the late cricketer’s former Primary School, The Joycelyn Liburd Primary School, with bats raised in salute.

The officiating Ministers were: Rev Canon Dr. Alson B H Percival; Canon Ernest Flemming and Rev Patronalia Brown.

Included among those paying glowing tributes were: Prime Minister of St.Kitts and Nevis, the Rt Hon Dr Denzil Douglas; Premier of Nevis-Hon Joseph Parry; Minister of Sports in Nevis-Hon Hensley Daniel; Leader of the opposition-Hon Mark Brantley; LICA President-Gregory Shillingford; Nevis Cricket Association; Omari Banks; Hon Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins; Runako’s adopted father, Joseph Liburd; family members and Chris Gayle.

The eulogy was delivered by former Premier of Nevis; current opposition leader on Nevis and former Combined islands opening batsman, Hon Vance Amory.

The proceedings were chaired by Cabinet Secretary in the Nevis Island Administration, Mr. Ashley Farrell and the sermon was delivered by Rev Canon Dr B H Percival.

The procession later left the Park for its extended journey to the cemetery at the St. George’s Anglican Church grounds at about 4.45 pm.

The impressive enlarged photograph of the gifted player with an appropriate inscription, said it all: ‘Gone Too Soon Runako.’