Leader of the Opposition

I WAS SORRY to hear of Stephen Alleyne's sudden passing and extend to his family the sympathy of my family.

I always found Stephen to be an unfailingly courteous individual in whatever capacities we met. We socialised at cricket at Kensington when he was president of the Barbados Cricket Association, less formally among his team Empire (particularly when they visited St John's Cultural) and in the more formal commercial circles.

In all forums, Stephen was cautious, careful with his words, thoughtful, unflappable but yet creative in his own way.

He worked assiduously to ensure the success of Cricket World Cup 2007 in Barbados and, despite its many challenges, he nevertheless served our country with distinction and his enthusiasm never waned.

I particularly want to remember his kind contributions to the success of the inaugural annual Errol Barrow Lecture and Mirror Image Award which he, through his commercial contacts, was ever-ready to assist in sponsoring and facilitating.

Stephen died at a young age and at a stage in his life when almost anything was possible in terms of career choices, potential national contributions and prospective personal development.

That we will never know or feel his true potential is sad but that sadness is tempered by the fact that while he was with us he was willing to serve.