ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The President, Members of the Executive and Members of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA), congratulate Elquemedo Tonito Willett, -The first Leeward Islander to play for the West Indies team, who on Saturday, 9th March, 2013 celebrated the 40th anniversary of his selection to the West Indies team.
We join together with the fans in saluting Mr. Willett on this occasion. Since his selection to International Cricket, several other Leeward Island players have not only made it on to the West Indies team, but have been rewarded with the leadership of the regional team.
Mr. Willett continues to serve the sport in various capacities. Mr. Willett previously served on the West Indies Cricket Board’s Cricket Committee.
Following his footsteps, Elquemedo’s two (2) sons are actively involved in cricket, Tonito Willett, a current member of the Leeward Islands team playing against the Combined Campuses & Colleges, and Akito Willett, who has also played for the Leeward Islands. He is also the uncle of former West Indies opening batsman, Stuart Williams.
Career statistics:
Played 5 Test matches, scored 74 runs at an average of 14.80. Bowling he snapped up 11 wickets and conceded 482 runs for an average of 43.81 per wicket. His best bowling figures in Test was 3 for 33 against Australia in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
First Class: 98 matches, scoring 1100 runs with a Highest score of 56 and an average of 12.94. Bowling he took 286 wickets and conceded 8132 runs, with a career best of 8 for 73.
Mr. Willett’s career spanned an amazing 19 years (1970 to 1989). He represented the Combined Islands (up until the split in 1980), and then the Leeward Islands.
As a mark of respect, the Nevis Island Administration renamed Grove Park to the ET Willett Park on 28th July, 2010.
LICA wishes Mr. Willett the very best on this the 40th anniversary of his selection to the West Indies team.