Williams remembered for extensive cricket knowledge, being dedicated coach, educator
Published:Thursday | November 2, 2023 | 12:16 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
IN A deeply emotional and serene atmosphere at the G.C. Foster College of Sport and Physical Education’s gymnasium, a heartfelt memorial service was held in celebration of the life and accomplishments of the institution’s late vice-principal, Gibbs Anthony Williams.
The tributes portrayed Williams as a fun-loving individual whose unwavering dedication to duty set him apart in an exceptional manner.
Williams lost his life under tragic circumstances, following a shocking incident on October 6 when he was attacked by gunmen and shot several times in the parking lot of the Portmore Hospital complex.
G.C. Foster College’s Principal, Maurice Wilson, delivered a moving tribute that touched the hearts of all in attendance.
Wilson described Williams as a well-dressed and organised individual. He reflected on their 36-year journey, calling Williams a cricket and fitness guru, an academic extraordinaire, a friend, an exceptional husband and family man, a vice-principal, and a father.
Williams was known for always wearing white outfits, and his persuasive speech, rather than his batting or bowling skills, left a lasting impression. He was also remembered for being an excellent fielder.
“Over time, Gibbs Williams developed his skills and went on to play for the St Catherine parish team. While he may not have had a professional playing career, he made up for it with his extensive cricket knowledge as a coach and educator,” Wilson disclosed.
Wilson noted that Williams had a routine, parking his car in the same spot every morning, and was very meticulous but said that what truly made him remarkable was his ability to organise committees and meetings for every conceivable initiative in which he was involved.
Wilson also spoke about the immense void left by Williams’ absence, emphasising the impact he had on the college and the great gaps in the management operations of the institution.
“Williams had devoted 34 years to the development of young minds at the high school and tertiary levels and over 20 years to high-level cricketing expertise and educational content building,” the G.C. Foster principal – overwhelmed with emotion – declared.
Wilson ended his emotional tribute by questioning if such tragic killings should be accepted as the norm and urged the country to reflect on when such violence would come to an end.
Dr Kishore Shallow, president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), paid tribute to the former West Indies under-19 team manager, describing him as a capable and thoughtful person who was highly professional and efficient in his role.
“Everyone was so impressed with his professionalism and thoughtfulness that it was easy to make him manager of the West Indies under-19 team,” said Shallow, adding that “in the sadness of this all we must celebrate his legacy”.
Shallow revealed that discussions were under way to honour Williams by placing his name in every dressing room that they occupy in Sri Lanka, where the West Indies under-19 team will play next year.
Tributes were also shared by senior educators at G.C. Foster College, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) CEO Courtney Francis, and the West Indies’ senior men’s cricket coach, Andre Coley.
In reference to the large turnout, Coley said it was evidence of a true leader.
“As I reflect on my association with Gibbs I recall his hard work, his mentoring side and his bravery and sense of humour; sometimes not funny, but there were times you would know that Gibbs was in the room.”
“This is a very sad day not only for the G.C. Foster family, but for the entire nation,” said Francis. “He leaves a legacy that will continue to impact the lives of many, so we should try to reconcile our grief of losing him with the joy of having him.”
Francis added: “Now that his innings has come to an end, it is not without distinguished boundaries and life lessons that can apply to the development of cricket.”