Today, Friday, May 1, is a significant day in the life of Elquemedo Tonito Willett.
The man who has the unique distinction of being the first Nevisian and indeed, the first Leeward Islander to make it to the West Indies Cricket team. Today, makes the distinguished son of the soil, 67 years old.
He made his first-class debut for the Leeward Islands in 1970-71 at the age of 17 and played his last match in the 1988-89 season. He took 8 for 73 (his best innings figures) and 3 for 44 for the West Indians against Glamorgan in 1973.
During New Zealand’s tour of the West Indies in 1972, Willett was considered the best of the many left-arm finger-spinners the New Zealanders faced.
Elquemedo Willett at the age of just 19 years, was called up by the West Indies cricket selectors and made his debut on March 9, 1973, versus Australia, in a test match played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Willett had a very brief but very credible career: 5 matches; 11 wickets for 482 runs; best figures 3 for 33; average 43.81
In July 2010, Nevis’s primary sporting venue, Grove Park, was renamed Elquemedo Willett Park in his honour.
Willett is now retired from the public service, but continues to assist in aspects of coaching, especially at his beloved Charlestown Primary School.
Many are still hoping, that in the not too distant future, he will be named a national hero of St. Kitts and Nevis