Sport

PM saddened by Rae's death

PRIME MINISTER P.J. PATTERSON said yesterday that the passing of former West Indies opener and West Indies Cricket Board president, Allan Rae, represented the closure of a significant chapter in the history of the regional game.

In noting Rae's contribution to the development of cricket locally and in the region, the Prime Minister, in a release, said he will be best remembered for the outstanding leadership he gave to West Indies cricket as its board president at the highpoint of the fight against apartheid.

The following is the full statement by the Prime Minister:
It was with sadness that I learnt of the passing of former West Indies cricketer the Hon. Allan Rae O.J., C.D., who died on Sunday.

The passing of Allan Rae represents the closure of a significant chapter in the history of West Indies cricket. It is an era that not only records his performance as a cricketer, but also as an individual who guided the development of the game, both on and off the field of play, at some of the most difficult times in its history.

Allan Rae has undoubtedly made a considerable contribution to the development of cricket in Jamaica including as captain of the Jamaica team in 1947, at which time he scored an average of 40 runs in 20 matches, achieving a total of five centuries. He also served the various organs of the cricketing fraternity with distinction, including the Jamaica Cricket Board of Control and the Kingston Cricket Club.

Outstanding leadership

However, he will best be remembered for the outstanding leadership he gave to West Indies cricket as its president, especially at the highpoint of the fight against apartheid. He was resolute, yet tactful in adjusting to the challenges for change that became necessary by the advent of professionalism throughout the game of cricket.

Allan Rae was a resplendent cricketer and, as a member of the West Indies cricket team to England in 1950, was a major contributor to the remarkable 3-1 victory over England in that year. His outstanding performance helped to lay the foundation on which the subsequent success of the team has been built.
He was a proud Jamaican and passionate exponent of the strength to be gained from collective team effort.

As we give thanks for his life, I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and colleagues in the cricketing fraternity. Let us be comforted by the fact that he will forever hold a special place in the cultural and sporting history of the nation and the region as a whole.