Dear Editor,
Sir Clive Lloyd was recently conferred with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the region’s highest honour at the 47th regular meeting of the conference of CARICOM heads of Government in Grenada. This is a monumental and historic acknowledgement to be bestowed on a distinguished Guyanese son of the soil; but more importantly a global symbol who inspired millions across the world. I had the distinct privilege and honour to meet and work with Sir Clive when he served as the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee when cricket was in turmoil following the undemocratic rule of the previous administration of the GCB.
I sat as a representative of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) then, and participated in a number of meetings that sought to end the turmoil. In all of those unforgettable events which sometimes were highly and emotionally driven, Sir Clive remained composed, calm and unshakable in an environment that included Ministers, PS, senior government officials and the then faction of the GCB (Bissoondial Singh, Claude Raphael, Ronald Williams) etc. I studied Sir Clive at every meeting with undivided attention and what struct me the most was his soft-spoken voice; every word penetrating and comforting as though he was delivering advice to Joel Garner, Colin Croft or Sir Andy Roberts during a tense match.
Such skill, charisma, temperament and charm are unique and it is an embodiment of the strength and success of what Sir Clive Lloyd has achieved. His record is unmatchable and remains like the glittering and enduring Kaieteur Falls for the world to embrace and emulate. Our country and people should be proud of this significant achievement and as we celebrate in unison, perhaps it is time to once again make the call for the national stadium to be renamed after him. Sir Clive has paid his dues, weathered the storm, delivered when it mattered, fought for the restoration of democracy at the GCB and continues to provide leadership, mentorship and a sense of hope to those who have been touched in some way by his talent and his unwavering commitment to bring about transformation, unity and prosperity among our people. While our own, Dave Martins continues to question in melody “where are our heroes Caribbean, show them to me”, Sir Clive is standing tall like a true hero, patriot and nationalist. Sir Clive Lloyd will forever be etched into the bosom of our hearts as a gentle giant.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
