Top WI and Red Force cricketers at Morton memorial

Those were the comforting words shared by Reverend Dr LeRoy Haynes, at the start of a special memorial service held for Morton at the Open Bible Church, Ruth Avenue, San Fernando, yesterday.

The service commenced from 11 am and within half-hour, the church was overflowing with mourners and well-wishers of the late Nevis-born West Indian cricketer.

Morton who migrated to Trinidad, and played cricket for Queen’s Park, died in a vehicular accident on March 4, returning home from club celebrations after they beat TTEC in a Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Premier League match at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain.

The Open Bible Church was filled to capacity with the likes of former legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara, fast bowler Corey Collymore, Kirk Edwards, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Wavell Hinds and Rangy Nanan.

Also paying tribute to the late cricketer were national team-mates Sherwin Ganga, Adrian Barath, Rayad Emrit, Dave Mohammed, Richard Kelly, Imran Khan and coach Kelvin Williams.

Representing the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board was president Azim Bassarath, first vice-president Dudnath Ramkessoon, general secretary Arjoon Ramlal and executive member Suruj Ragoonath.West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine and ex-Sports Minister, Manohar Ramsaran.

Morton’s former club, QPCC were well represented at the service by club manager Jeffrey Guillen and captain Justin Guillen.

Morton’s wife Leiselle, children Kalika, Macario and Demica-Dior headed the mourners, Morton’s mother Annette, brother Tyrone Williams and nephew Aeden Williams flew in from Nevis for the memorial service

Former premier of Nevis Vance Amory, former minister of agriculture (Nevis) Roberto Hector, current opposition leader in Nevis Mark Brantley, former Nevisian commissioner of police Joseph Liburd and Nevisian nurse Meredith Amory Fields.

Delivering the eulogy, was Morton’s wife Leiselle who told of her husband’s commitment to his family and loved ones.

She said Runako was a great provider and protector, especially protective of his children.

Following this was a power-point presentation that re-visited the life and happier times of Morton.

Later, ex-premier Amory hailed Morton as a Caribbean hero and one who permanently stamped his name on local, regional and international cricket.

Morton’s body will be flown to Nevis for burial. A funeral service will be held on Saturday.