Good knock, excellent labour Lennox John

It seems there is no compensation or respite for death, despite its inevitability. Hence, there was that outpouring of grief and sadness on August 2, 2026, when news broke that long-standing sports administrator, Lennox Lancelot John had died.

A distinguish gentleman, who served St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Windward Islands, and the wider Caribbean in different capacities, John’s contribution to Cricket packed the highlight reel of his over four score years.

John was a member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association for 27 years, with the bulk of his tenure- 17 years to be exact -as president of the organisation.

At the Windwards level, he was at the helm of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control (WICBC) from 1991 to 2007.

During the latter part of his service to the WICBC, John held the substantive post of CEO, as the organisation transitioned.

Regionally, John also played his part in the administration of West Indies Cricket being a member of the then West Indies Cricket Board, spanning 24 years, from 1983 to 2007.

His managerial skills took him beyond the Caribbean- John was appointed as Manager of the West Indies Under-15 team to the ICC World Cup 2000 in England.

It is also noteworthy that John was also Chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board Disciplinary Committee, reflecting his integrity and social standing among his peers at the time across the Caribbean.

A sports enthusiast, one may say, John showed his astute knowledge as a Cricket, Football and Netball commentator. These go with his years as a sportscaster at the National Broadcasting Corporation.

At that same institution, John for years, had a midday slot, where he gave critical analyses on various aspects of sports.

On reflection, John was groomed for future engagements spawned as he was growing up.

This as he represented the Boys Grammar School in Cricket and Football. He had the distinction of being the captain of both teams at the same juncture.

Showing his multi-talent as a sportsman, John was also involved in Athletics, Table tennis, Basketball, and Badminton.

Those were the training platforms for him moving on to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in both Football and Cricket.

Away from sports, John an all-rounder of sorts, was a Cadet, a Principal, was instrumental in the formation of the Bishop’s College Kingstown Steel Orchestra, as well as a leading light in the Kingstown Chorale and in the Anglican Church.

Otherwise in culture, John was part of the then Carnival Development Committee from 1976-1989, and was Chairman in 1988.

Additionally, John was a member of the Police Service Commission 1984- 1986 and was the Honorary Consul to France 1999-2010.

John though devoted the latter years of his life to the church, where he served in various capacities within the Anglican community. He was ordained Deacon on January 25, 2012.

Given all these above-mentioned contributions of Mr. Lennox Lancelot John, it is opportune for the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Inc. to revitalizes the Lennox John Cricket Academy which was started in 2017, but has since slipped into oblivion.

This can be a tangible way that the Roland Wilkinson led executive can honour the legacy of Lennox John.

Vincentians and others can pay their last respects to the John at his funeral set for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the St. George’s Anglican Cathedral in Kingstown, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

A Vigil takes place from 9.30 a.m. He will be buried in the church yard. This column expresses condolences to his immediate and extended family, colleague and friends.