Former national cricketer and footballer, Edward Jno Baptiste, has passed

Edward Jno. Baptiste known to many of us as Tee Son, who died on 23rd October aged 74 was a highly talented cricketer and a footballer.

Born on Bath Road in the vicinity of the Botanic Gardens, the Newtown Savannah and the Windsor Park where as a boy he engaged in the sports of cricket and football as all young boys did in those days. He emerged as a footballer and cricketer of note, representing Dominica in both disciplines.

Edward kept goal in football and wicket in cricket for his club and went on to represent Dominica in both disciplines. It was not always plain sailing for him as far as I can remember. While in goal in a football match a player on the forward line violently attacked him which resulted in an injury; as a result the culprit was sent off the field.

But the matter was not settled there. Tee Son went one step further by taking court action against the player. The case, probably the first of its kind, was heard by then Magistrate, the Late Justice Albert Matthew of blessed memory; the player in question was found guilty and was fined for his action against the goal-keeper.

In cricket, he had the unfortunate experience of bagging a pair; he was dismissed for two ducks in a match in Grenada, in a Windward Islands Tournament. Who could forget the scene as he walked from the wicket dragging his bat all along the ground to the pavilion with his head bowed to the ground?

Those were occasions that he never forgot during his lifetime.

I extend deepest sympathy to his widow, children, family and friends.

May his soul rest in peace.