In this week’s edition of In Search of West Indies Cricket, Roger Seymour recounts the recent pre-launch of the forthcoming book, “Larry Gomes, Mr. Dependable, My Life in Cricket.”
Last Tuesday, 27th August, on a wonderful sunny summer’s afternoon, ideal for cricket, a small group of West Indians, Trinidadians in the main, gathered in an intimate setting, at the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago, located on Shepherd Avenue West, in the trendy suburb of North York, Toronto, Canada. The occasion was the pre-launch of the book, “Larry Gomes, Mr. Dependable, My Life in Cricket,” the authorised biography of the former West Indian Test batsman, one of T&T’s most famous sons.
The simple ceremony was hosted under the auspices of Acting Consul General Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette, who delivered the opening remarks. After extending a warm welcome to Mr and Mrs Larry Gomes and family (who now reside in Toronto), Senator Dr Rolph Balgobin and Mrs Balgobin, Mr Nasser Khan, the author of the book, and other well-wishers, the diplomat reminded the attendees of what Larry Gomes meant to West Indies cricket. Here is an excerpt from her speech, most worthy of repeating.
“As a stalwart of the West Indies team, he not only showcased remarkable talent with the bat but also demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the game and an ability to play whatever role the team needed… to get the required result, hence the moniker “Mr Dependable”. His innings were a blend of elegance and determination, and his strategic acumen made him a formidable force on the field.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of Larry’s career was his resilience. In a sport that demands not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude, Larry stood tall. His performances, often under the brightest of spotlights, were characterized by a calmness and poise that set him apart. He played with an unwavering focus and a strategic mind, qualities that have earned him the admiration of fans around the world and fellow cricketers alike.
“Beyond the statistics and records, it is the impact Larry Gomes has had on the hearts of cricket enthusiasts that truly defines his legacy. He has been a source of inspiration to countless young cricketers, demonstrating that excellence is achieved not just through talent but through hard work, perseverance, and an unyielding love for the game.”
Second in the batting order was Senator Balgobin, Chairman of the Quicksilver Group of Companies in T&T, the sponsor of the book. The soft-spoken Dr Balgobin, after the customary acknowledgements of those present, stated, “We were very excited to get involved in the publication of this book because we believe that it documents a story that ought to have been told a long time ago.” His sentiments were immediately greeted with a loud round of applause. Dr Balgobin, who served on three occasions as an Independent Senator in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, expressed the hope that the book captures not the scores and the averages and the runs but rather what Larry did for the region by helping the West Indies to win. The sponsor added that it was not properly acknowledged that the West Indies might not have had such a long winning streak were it not for the presence of Larry. He further noted that Larry played a significant role when the West Indies were doing more than just winning but lifting the Caribbean to global recognition not only on the field of sport.
Wrapping up his brief off-the-cuff remarks, Dr Balgobin paid tribute to the author, Mr Nasser Khan and thanked Larry Gomes again for what he gave to the region. On a lighter note, he observed that he and his wife were from ‘Down South’ and he felt that they were storming (Trini slang for gate crashing) amidst the large Arima crowd, much to the mirth of the audience.
Batting at three was Mr Nasser Khan, Larry’s biographer, who immediately apologised to the man of the moment for taking his spot in the line-up. The writer noted that the four copies on hand were only draft copies as such, and the final edition was expected to comprise around 300 pages. Tracing the origins of the book, he acknowledged his lifelong friendship with Randy (Larry’s youngest brother), going back to school days, their discussions on the project over ten years ago, and waiting patiently for the reticent former Test batsman’s approval. Khan’s observation, “I don’t know what he [Randy] did to get you to finally decide,” delivered with the typical ‘Trini’ sense of humour, drew laughter all around.
The author displayed one of the draft copies, with its attractive cover, noting that it contained forewords from Larry’s Test Captain, Sir Clive Lloyd; his Trinidad and Tobago Captain Deryck Murray and Test teammate, former Jamaican fast bowler, Michael Holding. Khan then held up his cellphone and surprised the entire room by replaying a video message, which he had received that morning. The distinct Jamaican accent of Michael Holding was heard, offering his congratulations and best wishes, and hopes that through the book “… people would recognise how dependable and valuable you were to the West Indies.” A round of applause rippled around the room following the brief message. Khan then read a quote from Holding’s foreword, “Maybe the fact that we were both not averse to having a little flutter on the horses may have helped, but it is not difficult taking to someone who never seemed vex or upset about anything in public and seemed to be happy with life.”
Khan then read a few more excerpts from the other forewords and tributes highlighting several aspects of Larry’s personality which were pinpointed by the writers. He noted, as with his other books (such as “A History of West Indies Cricket Through Calypsoes”, reviewed in In Search of West Indies Cricket, 14th January, 2024) this one was written for educational purposes, giving the children of today (and of course, future generations) the opportunity to learn their history and to draw inspiration from it. His quick overview of the contents, including a brief hint on a chapter on the courtship and lure of big money to play in South Africa during Apartheid in the mid-1980s firmly suggests that this book will be a must read for all West Indies cricket fans.
Finally, Larry, in the unaccustomed position of batting down the order, approached the podium. His speech was synonymous with his approach at the wicket; calm and relaxed. He commenced by thanking the Acting Consul General for hosting the function, and his family and friends for their support. In thanking the author, Larry recounted a meeting with Khan a few years ago, when Randy had invited him to a function at St Mary’s College (a prominent high school in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad) where the subject of the book was initially mooted, and although in two minds, he was finally persuaded to do it. He stated that he believed that no sport could survive without sponsorship, before adding, “I would like to thank Doc for your sponsorship of the book, I really appreciate it. We didn’t have to look anywhere.” He also acknowledged the co-editors of the book, the work of his brother Randy and his family and friends, both in Toronto and abroad, and finally, “last but not least, the press for coming here today to support this venture.” A typical Larry innings, playing every ball on its merit, consciously aware of all the fieldsman, or in this instance, his supporters and not omitting anyone.
The Acting Consul General, in a few brief lines, had encapsulated the enduring amalgam of qualities Larry Gomes brought to the Maroon colours; adaptability to any role needed, elegance, determination, resilience, calmness, poise and unwavering focus. As the author noted, Larry was never much of a talker, he preferred to let his bat do the talking.
The book is scheduled for release in October in Trinidad and Tobago.
Larry Gomes’s record:
Tests: 60, Runs: 3171, Average: 39.63, Centuries: Nine;
First Class Matches: 231, Runs: 12,982, Average: 40.56, Centuries: 32
