Cricket West Indies (CWI) expressed its condolences and paid tribute to two esteemed former Guyana and West Indies cricketers who recently passed away.
Joe Solomon, widely recognized for his remarkable batting skills during the 1950s and 1960s, passed away at the age of 93.
Clyde Butts, a former off-spinner and captain of Guyana in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 66.
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, offered his heartfelt tribute, saying, “The remarkable contributions of Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts will be remembered not only by those in their native Guyana but also by many across the West Indies.”
Heroes of West Indies cricket
He continued, “Joe Solomon stood among the heroes of West Indies cricket. His iconic play – the pick-up, throw, and run-out of Ian Meckiff in the tied Test – remains an indelible moment in our history. His dedication to the game was evident in mentoring numerous players, showing his commitment to the sport’s development. He was a true servant of the game.”
President Shallow noted, “Clyde Butts, a stalwart figure in West Indies’ first-class history, displayed extraordinary adeptness as an off-spinner and captain for Guyana. His legacy extended beyond the field, earning him recognition as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the region. In retirement, his unwavering commitment to coaching reflected his dedication. He tirelessly invested hours, nurturing young talent and passionately fostering their development within the sport.”
He further remarked, “He served with distinction as team manager for the West Indies Under-19 team. His exceptional leadership as Chairman of Selectors notably resulted in forming the triumphant team that won the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, a victory that brought immense pride and glory to the people of the West Indies.”
Impressive debut against India
Joseph Stanislaus Solomon, who played 27 Test matches from 1958 to 1965, made an impressive debut against India in Kanpur in 1958, scoring 45 and 86, including a notable partnership of 163 with Garfield Sobers. He gained fame for his crucial run-out of the last Australian batsman, leading to the famous tied Test in December 1960 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Clyde Godfrey Butts made his Test debut in 1987 at Bourda Oval and contributed to West Indies’ dominant era with seven Test appearances. He was among the leading bowlers in the West Indies first-class championship during the 1980s, accumulating 348 first-class wickets.
After retiring from playing, he continued his involvement in the cricketing world, serving as an administrator and chairing the West Indies Men’s senior selection panel during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2012, led by Daren Sammy.
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