Winston Davis receives FOSH Inc’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award

Former St Vincent and the Grenadines, Windward Islands, Combined Islands and West Indies fast bowler Winston Davis, was last Saturday bestowed the 2019 Lifetime Achievement award, when the Friends Of Sion Hill (FOSH) Inc. held its fourth black tie gala dinner.

Davis, who was the toast of the night at the event staged at 671 Prospect Place, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, was recognised for his contribution to the community of Soin Hill, St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the Caribbean.

His cricket talent and interest grew while he attended the Dorsetshire Hill Government School, after which he was recruited by the Sion Hill Cricket team under the headship of the venerable Lloyd Lewis.

Representing Sion Hill in the competitions under the aegis of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, Davis’ fast bowling blossomed to the point that he was selected to the national Under-19 team.

He went on to play for the Windward Islands Under-19 and the West Indies Under-19 team in 1976, when England’s Under-19s toured the Caribbean.

Ardon “Ardie” Browne,(right) is presented with his plaque by Brently Roberts of FOSH Inc.

Davis made an immediate impact in the series, taking 4 for 32 in the first innings of the first match.

Among Davis’ scalps were David Gower, Mike Gatting and Paul Downtown, all of whom went on to represent England in Tests.

His progression saw him in 1981 announcing his readiness as a fast bowler on the regional scene in the final year with the Combined Islands.

Davis, in 1982 was part of the Windwards team that placed second in their debut year as a single unit.

The following year, Davis emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the regional competition, as he established a new regional record then; that of 42 wickets, as the Windwards repeated their second place.

That same year, Davis made his Test debut for the West Indies in the home series versus India.

But it was in the One-Day Internationals that Davis had his most memorable performance as an international cricketer.

On Sunday, June 11, 1983, playing for the West Indies against Australia at Headingly, Leeds, England, in the World Cup, Davis grabbed the headlines of the cricketing world, when he bagged 7 for 51.

It was the first seven-wicket haul in a One-Day International.

In his spell, Davis got the wickets of Kim Hughes, Graham Yallop, Allan Border, David Hookes, Ken Macleay, Geoff Lawson and Dennis Lillee.

This feat earned Davis a spot in the Guinness Book of Records, as the best bowling figures in a One-Day International.

Davis’ figures, which stood for 20 years, although since have been bettered, remains one of the best in the ICC World Cup at number four.

In total, Davis has played in 35 ODIs taking 35 wickets at 33.38 runs per wicket.

His 15 Test matches saw him scalping 45 wickets, which came at the cost of 32.71 runs each.

Now living in England and confined to a wheelchair, as a result of freak accident.

in 1997, Davis, while he and others were clearing a piece of land at Ratho Mill belonging to the Streams of Power Church, got injured, resulted in him becoming a tetraplegic.

Others recognised

Claudette Muckett was the recipient of the Pillar of the Community awardee, while her late husband William Muckett, was posthumously acknowledged for his Outstanding Leadership.

Meanwhile, Ardon “Ardie” Browne, who represented his community of Sion Hill, in athletics, cricket and football, was presented with the Community Service Award. Receiving the Diaspora award was Dr. Nelson King.

Also on the night, Mitchson James, who is 101 years old, was presented with the Award of Longevity.

The theme for last Saturday’s event was “Inspiring future leaders to take bold initiatives”.

Dr Richard Byron-Cox was the featured speaker.

Reflecting on last Saturday’s event, President of FOSH Inc. Oxley Lowman, noted that it was another “successful” venture.

“It was another sold out event…And according to many of the patrons, it was the best we have ever had,” Lowman commented.

“The honourees were excellent choices… These persons have in their own particular ways, impacted the Sion Hill community and the Vincentian community.

“Davis’ thank you speech was touching to many in the audience… One could have seen the joy in him even though he was unable to interact because of his condition,” Lowman added.

Lowman thanked all for supporting the ventures of FOSH, so that the organisation in turn can fund the various progammes, as it seeks to hold fast to its mantra of “Rebuilding our Community, one life at a time”.