Cricket fraternity saddened by death of Jules Anthony

The cricket community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is mourning the loss of a stalwart.

Julius “Jules” Anthony, a cricket administrator, originally of Troumaca, died suddenly at his home in Clare Valley last Friday, Nov. 16.

He was 65.

The SVG Cricket Association said Anthony, who was affectionately known as Anthony within cricket circles, was the leading force behind cricket in North Leeward for more than three decades.

“In his capacity as president of the North Leeward Sports Association, he coordinated the VINLEC North Leeward cricket tournament, while also initiating many youth tournaments and programmes,” the national cricket governing body said in a statement.

Anthony also served as chair of the National Sports Council (NLA) and as a director.

He also served the SVGCA Inc. in different roles, including media personnel and on the Book Committee, which is mandated to publish a book on the history of Vincentian cricket.

President of SVGCA Inc., Kishore Shallow expressed shock at Anthony’s sudden passing.

“He was an inspiration to me as he was for many cricketers and others over the years. Jules has my greatest admiration and respect, certainly one of the most selfless persons I have encountered in my lifetime. This is a massive loss to cricket, to North Leeward, to our country. He was a true champion,” Shallow said.

Anthony was honoured by the SVGCA in 2014 — the first year of Shallow’s presidency — for his outstanding contribution to cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Secretary of SVGCA Inc., Samuel Holder, expressed grief at Anthony’s passing.

“Jules has been a long-standing contributor to cricket in SVG, he would have been instrumental in a number of cricketers coming out from the North Leeward area. He will certainly be remembered for his contribution in cricket, this is a huge loss,” said Samuel, the longest-serving executive member of the SVGCA.

Executive member of SVGCA, Dyke Cato, who served along with Anthony on the NSC board, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues.

Cato said: “Jules Anthony has been a remarkable comrade with tremendous positive impact. It has been an esteemed pleasure to work with such an honourable man. Cricket and sports have lost a true great.”