Cricket West Indies (CWI) today offered condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Gibbs Williams, who died on Friday. He was the long-standing team manager of the Jamaica Under-19 team and also team manager of the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s U19 team which toured Sri Lanka last month.
Williams was also an educator, strength and conditioning coach, as well as a Level 3 certified cricket coach. He worked tirelessly in the grassroots and development programmes in Jamaica for over a decade.
Dr Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, paid a tribute.
I share the sorrow of the entire cricket fraternity in the West Indies on the sudden and tragic passing of our Men’s Under 19 team manager, Mr. Gibbs Williams. My first interaction with Gibbs was around 2002 when he was the fitness trainer for the first-ever UWI team in the Red Stripe Bowl West Indies One Day tournament. Since then, he has served as a cricket administrator and, in recent years, as Jamaica Under 19 Cricket team Manager. Following Jamaica’s success in the West Indies Rising Stars Under 19 tournament 2023, Gibbs was appointed as the West Indies Men’s Under 19 team manager that toured Sri Lanka in August, as preparation for the Under 19 World Cup next year. Along his path, he would have positively impacted many young people across the Caribbean. On behalf of Cricket West Indies, my profound condolences to his family and other loved ones. Rest in eternal peace, ‘Gibbo’.”
Andre Coley, the Head Coach for the West Indies Men’s red ball team, worked alongside Williams in Jamaica at all levels of the game. He described him as a “hard-working and dedicated” individual who approached every situation with a positive mindset.
“He had such a huge impact across a wide cross-section of Jamaica in sports – with youths, as well as male and female athletes, and he made a tremendous contribution in the cricket arena,” Coley said. “He was always energetic and positive in everything he did. He definitely enjoyed his work and he impacted the lives of so many persons in a positive way. He leaves a big hole that will be difficult to fill, but we thank him for his tremendous contribution.”
Robert Haynes, the former Jamaica captain and West Indies allrounder, and CWI Lead Selector for West Indies Men’s U19 Rising Stars, also paid tribute to Williams.
“The entire cricket family is in mourning. Gibbs Williams was a dedicated servant of cricket, he had a passion for the game and gave all he had to see its growth and development. He loved to see young people achieve great things and improve their lives and livelihood. He earned the respect of everyone he came into contact with because he showed respect to everyone.”
Rohan Nurse, Head Coach of the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19s, spoke on behalf of the team.
“Gibbs had the ability to bring people together. He commanded respect with his demeanor and his approach. We have lost someone who had a vision for the game in the West Indies and someone who was always willing to put the players first. It was a joy to work with him on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. He ensured he created an environment where the players could blossom and improve.” -ENDS-