I was rather surprised when I received a New Year’s gift. It was a gift with a difference and I will cherish it for a very long time.
The gift did not come wrapped in gift paper, but it came through an announcement of Kevin Stoute as the new Barbados One-Day (50-over) captain for this year’s tournament. What a surprise it was. Although it was a surprise, it was a pleasant one.
As you are aware, I have been calling for him for a long time now to be given a regular place in the Barbados team.
It was a long wait for him and those of us who were aware of his early promise. The psalmist does remind us that “no good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walketh uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11.
If one does not make the Barbados team often, then it will be very difficult to make the West Indies team.
You can probably do so, if you are as lucky as Fidel Edwards who was picked after Brian Lara played against him in the nets during a practice session at Kensington Oval. I think with a good seasion, Stoute can force his way into the West Indies team.
In recent times he had to compete with all-rounder Christopher Jordan, but he (Jordan) is no longer there, because the English selectors have selected him. At the moment there is no genuine all-rounder in the West Indies team and that is what the team needs very badly.
I was also very surprised when Kraigg Brathwaite was made captain for the four-day game. I think at this time captaincy would be an unnecessary distraction for him.
Anyhow, Barbados cricket is in the hands of two youngsters.
Good luck to Kraigg and Kevin.
Patronal festival
St Paul’s Patronal Festival which started last Sunday, will wrap up today with the Reverend Reid Simon, Rector of St Paul Church, Antigua, leading the service at 7:30 p.m.
Please invite your friends and family to share in the service. The theme is Give Of Your Best To The Master.
Harvest festival
The Centenary Moravian Church, Shop Hill, St Thomas, invites you to its annual Harvest Festival on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The host pastor is Reverend Vera Waithe.
l The Fulnec Moravian Church, Watts Village, St George, will hold its annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m. All are invited. The host pastor is Reverend Andrew Roberts.
Organist needed
The Vauxhall Methodist Church is in need of an organist. Please contact the priest-in-charge of the church, Vauxhall, Christ Church.
