CRICKET-Williams killing leaves big hole Coley

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies Test head coach Andre Coley says the tragic killing of Gibbs Williams has left a “big hole” in the regional cricket fraternity.

The Jamaica and West Indies Under-19s squad manager was gunned down in the parking lot of a medical facility in his native Jamaica on Friday after wrapping up an appointment.

Police have ruled out robbery as a motive and are continuing investigations.

“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,” said Coley, a fellow Jamaican who worked alongside Williams at various levels.

“He was always energetic and positive in everything he did. He enjoyed his work, and he impacted the lives of so many people positively.

“He leaves a big hole that will be difficult to fill, but we thank him for his tremendous contribution.”

Williams, 55, was part of the management unit that oversaw Jamaica’s capture of the double in the Cricket West Indies Under-19 Championship in St Vincent and the Grenadines last August.

He also toured Sri Lanka last month with the West Indies Under-19 squad, which faced the hosts in a red and white-ball series.

West Indies Under-19s lead selector, Robert Haynes, labeled Williams a “dedicated servant of cricket” who loved young people.

“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,” said Haynes, a former Jamaica captain and West Indies all-rounder.

“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.”

West Indies Under-19s head coach Rohan Nurse, who toured Sri Lanka with Williams, also underscored the depth of the administrator’s contribution to the regional landscape.

“Gibbs could bring people together. He commanded respect with his demeanor and his approach,” said Nurse.

“We have lost someone who had a vision for the game in the West Indies and someone 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.”

Former Jamaica and West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, now an assistant coach with Jamaica Scorpions, called Williams “a great human being.”

“I’m saddened. I’m blown away. He was a nice person, a nice human being, always there to help you,” the Jamaica Observer quoted Miller as saying.

“I send my condolence to all, including his family. He was a great human being. He was a great cricket lover. Cricket will miss Gibbs Williams.

“I remember when we used to play, he was the trainer for the national team, and Gibbo was that individual who would always lead by example. He believed in fitness, and he believed in a healthy lifestyle.”

Williams was also the vice-principal of Jamaica’s GC Foster College of Physical Education & Sport.