Elquemedo Tonito Willett celebrates his 71st birthday today, born on 1st May 1953. He was the first cricketer from the Leeward Islands to make it to the West Indies team.
His success paved the way for other great players like Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Derrick Parry, Keith Arthurton, Stuart Williams, Carl Tuckett, Runako Morton and Kieran Powell.
Willett played five Test matches between 1973 and 1974, and he debuted for Leeward Islands in the 1970-71 season at the age of 17.
He played his last match in the 1988-89 season. In 1973, he took 8 wickets for 73 runs (his best innings figures) and 3 wickets for 44 runs for the West Indians against Glamorgan.
The people of Nevis are still eagerly waiting for the announcement of Willett’s knighthood and recognition as the next National hero of the Federation.