The eternal loss of an iconic figure 

When news broke last Monday of the death of one of Sion Hill’s and largely, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ pillars, Lloyd “Manager” Lewis, the reality struck high notes of appreciation of his contribution to the Vincentian society.

The outpouring of tributes came from the heart as Manager was revered by many from all walks of life, for various reasons, as he could have been considered an all-rounder.

Having come from the most northern part of the country – Fancy, Manager moved to Barrouallie, then to Kingstown as a teenager, in search of a stable employment.

He moved to Sion Hill, where he started his family and where he made his mark as a community leader, which bundled with his regular jobs as a Customs guard and a reputable barber.

Manager, although not a Sion Hilliarian by birth, dedicated his energies to sports, namely what we see today as the Sion Hill Playing Field, which he was instrumental in transforming, from a swamp and a guava field, to one of the country’s best sporting facilities.

Manager also had a strong hand in the establishment of the formidable Sion Hill cricket teams of the 1980s and 1990s.

Significantly too, Manager held high the betterment of persons with whom he came in contact.

As a strong believer in family, Manager would preach core values and independence of mind.

Additionally, sports-wise, thanks to Manager’s tenacity and dedication to service, many Sion Hill cricketers went on to play for St Vincent and the Grenadines under his watch.

One standout though, Winston Davis, got further, as he played for the Windwards, the Combined Islands, two English counties, a state team in Australia, as well as in New Zealand, and most significantly for the West Indies.

As a front man in the Sion Hill Sports Club for many years, which was the parent body for all sports and cultural activities in the community, Manager helped reshape the order of fund-raising with some adventurous undertakings.

These were attributes of fearlessness and will, as he kept humanitarian and people focus at the centre of his operations.

Several persons who are today living and making it, as we say, in other countries, namely North America, are there today because of the financial help of Manager, who put a premium on his charges’ upward mobility.

The other testimonies are endless. As the chief cook and bottle washer of the Sion Hill cricket teams then, Manager used his personal influence to get youngsters from the Sion Hill community gainfully employed.

Thus too, as the head groundsman of the Sion Hill Playing Field, Manager made it his business that young boys from the area got early knowledge of cricket pitches’ preparation, as well as the general upkeep of the playing facility.

One such person who is the beneficiary of Manager’s system of recruitment, is William “Bill” Edwards, who began under his wing.

At present, Edwards is the head groundsman of the National Sports Council, a feat that Manager was proud of, as he would often preach that it was useless to die with the knowledge gained and not pass it on.

Such is the same with another of Manager’s vocations, his barbering, in which he had cultured several persons, who are today plying their trade in that same field.

As a barber, Manager used his chair to educate his clients.

Ironically, as you lost the hair on your head, you were filled with lifelong wisdom of the many years of his experience and expertise, although it meant that the haircut took a longer time.

But as persons reflect on the life and service of Manager, now he has departed this earthly life at age 81, it fits into the way he looked at his contribution.

Many have often asked why organizations in Sion Hill have not done anything to pay homage to Manager for his input to the community.

Truth be told, they tried; however, Manager would always say that he never did anything to be recognized, as he saw his efforts as straight from the heart.

Maybe, the powers that be can now rename the Sion Hill Playing Field in his honour, as he never wanted such recognition while he had breath in him.

However, the best Sion Hillarians, and by extension, the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines can do, is care for one of his legacies – the Sion Hill Playing Field and put into practice the many bits of wisdom that he expounded.

As he would have said in one of his favourite rhetorical statements: “Ah ain hear yo”.

Manager – Rest In Peace.