It was a night that contained everything, history, song, comedy, praises, food and drinks as a retirement function was held for long-serving director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Erskine King, at the Infinity Resort, Dover, on Thursday night.
In the presence of long-time friend and National Hero Sir Garfield,Sobers, former Maple captain Wycliffe Phillips, acting director of the NSC, Neil Murrell, assistant director Mona Alleyne, senior coaches Adrian Donovan and Barbados Cricket Association president Joel Garner, along with other coaches and office staff, King was lauded as a leader who not only looked out for his staff, but was well loved by that staff.
The members of the coaching staff praised King for his open door policy that allowed everyone at NSC to recognise their leader as someone they could approach with any problem to find a working solution.
King was also described as a man who had a penchant for suits and fine clothes with a collection of over 300 ties.
The gifts were exceptional as the former Barbados wicketkeeper and radio commentator was presented with a cricket bat containing the signatures of all staff members.
He was also given exercising gear as the staff expressed concern about looking after their former boss just as well as he had looked after them.
However, among the special gifts was a plaque Sir Garry presented on behalf of the NSC staff and some “yellow meat” breadfruits, a favourite of the former NSC boss.