Cricket icon Runarko Morton remembered one year after his tragic death

By: Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com

(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- Family, friends and well-wishers turned out on the morning of Monday, March 4, 2013 to pay tribute to former West Indies cricketing icon Runarko ‘Ronnie’ Morton, who was killed in a tragic accident in Trinidad one year ago.

The ceremony was conducted at the graveside of the deceased in the cemetery of the St. George’s Anglican Church, Gingerland.

Sports commentator Mr. Curtis Morton started off the proceedings with a touching poem highlighting some of the many attributes of Runarko. He stated that Runarko was blessed with an inner being one that was very rare to mankind, one that was able to confront and combat any adverse situation that he encountered. Morton also noted that Runarko’s aggressive and blunt attitude prompted a few persons to say that he was impertinent.

Morton was of the view however that Runarko was ‘one of a kind’. In closing, Morton lamented the fact that Runarko was unfairly treated by the West Indies cricket selectors and on most occasions he received ‘the short end of the stick’.

Junior Minister in the Department of Sports, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams made brief remarks. She indicated that Morton was a much better player than his record indicated. Williams stated, ‘The runs didn’t stack up in his case, but if there was ever a case of parts being greater than the sum there can’t be a more compelling one’. She continued, ‘He was a true champion and a son of the soil who made all of us proud whether he was playing locally, regionally or internationally’. The minister, concluded by saying that she was of the view that the current primary school cricket competition on the island of Nevis should be named in honor of the fallen cricketer.

The service was conducted by Rev. Canon Alston Percival, rector of the St George’s Anglican Church. He was accompanied by Deacon, Rev. Patronella Brown.

Mr. Joseph Liburd, a close family friend gave the vote of thanks.