PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Late cricket administrator and Test batsman Joey Carew was Friday hailed as an outstanding leader, as hundreds gathered here to pay their last respects to the Trinidadian who died last week. Batting legend Brian Lara, who delivered an emotional eulogy before mourners that included several former Test cricketers and leading sports and government officials, said Carew’s greatest legacy would be his leadership abilities.
“Joey touched a wide cross-section of people and his greatest attribute was his leadership,” said Lara, who shared a very close relationship with Carew.
“I think Joey was the best captain the West Indies never had. He was a leader par excellence.”
Lara, one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, said he considered Carew his father as he had always provided him with crucial support.
“I will let you know that Bunty (Lara) was my father but Joey was also my father. I remember how I felt when he first called me son,” the double world record holder for the highest scores in Test and first class cricket said.
“One Friday evening I wanted to go out and I asked Joey to borrow his car. He told me it was alright and that night I struck a bridge. I asked Michael his elder son to take the rap for me but after viewing the car, he said I was on my own.”
Lara said when he told Carew what had happened, the former chairman of West Indies selectors said: “Son, are you alright?” Despite this, Lara said when Carew saw the car he complained bitterly.
Lara’s eulogy moved Carew’s youngest son David to tears, and he had to be comforted by his brother Michael.
The funeral was attended by former West Indies players Gordon Greenidge, fast bowler Colin Croft, Mike Findlay, Charlie Davis, Rangy Nanan, Raphick Jumadeen and Lance Gibbs.
West Indies Players Association president Dinanath Ramnarine was also in attendance along with Sports Minister Anil Roberts, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath former West Indies Cricket Board president Ken Gordon and opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley.
The service was held at St Theresa’s RC Church in Woodbrook.