Former Jamaica and West Indies spinner, Reginald Scarlett, passed away today in England, after battling an undisclosed illness.
He would have celebrated his 85th birthday tomorrow.
Reg, as he was affectionately known, played three Tests for West Indies, but made a significant contribution to the development of players following his retirement from the game in 1960.
After settling in England, he spent 15 years coaching there and played minor league cricket before returning to his homeland to oversee the youth development programme of the Jamaica Cricket Association.
Scarlett returned to England four years later and put his energy into grassroots development and was the brains behind the Haringey Cricket College, which produced several leading county and Test players for England.
He subsequently returned to the Caribbean and became the first director of coaching of the West Indies Cricket Board, now CWI, where in support of Dr Rudi Webster, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Shell Cricket Academy on the campus of the St George’s University in Grenada.
“Reg was a true stalwart who never stopped loving West Indies cricket while he lived in England. He served the game selflessly, both on and off the field, until he retired in Grenada several years ago and continued to make his input into cricket development,” CWI said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of CWI, we extend sincere condolences to his wife Trish and immediate family and may the care and love of those around them provide comfort and peace to get them through this difficult time.” (PR/SAT)
