BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - He was just 50 years old when he died on Tuesday September 20, yet in his short life he made an indelible mark on his country and on the lives of those he coached and strove to bring to a level of excellence both on the football field and through the life skills that he brought to his coaching.
In his short life he has been called a “coach extraordinaire” and “one of the best in the Federation”. The St. Kitts Nevis Football Association, in paying tribute, has described his contribution to football as “immeasurable”.
It was his vision to take football beyond the ordinary that made him stand out as a coach, as a person and as a friend. He was fun to be around. He worked hard and he played hard and his contribution will never be forgotten for it is acknowledged that he went beyond the call of duty. His enthusiasm was infectious.
Says one writer, “Star Browne also gained much respect from his peers and many youth footballers for the role he played in the numerous football clinics he organized throughout the island.”
In an honouring ceremony held for him, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor said that he must “personally thank Star for his contribution to the positive morals he has helped to instill in the youths of his community.”
According to The St. Kitts Nevis Football Association, “Elvis ‘Star” Browne was a member of the Village Superstars, St Kitts-Nevis Nation team, and the head coach of the National Team from 2002-2004. He was also the coach of the Women’s National team.
Elvis started the summer youth academy which was later renamed in his honour “LIME/Elvis “Star” Browne Football School of Excellence” which has propelled many of our great footballers such as Keith “Kayamba” Gumbs, Atiba Harris & Jevon Francis.”
As far back as the 1970s, he represented the Basseterre High School. He later went on to play for St. Kitts. He was as excellent in his coaching at the Basseterre Junior High School as he was on the field. From there he expanded his coaching career when he became a member of the Department of Sport of the Ministry.
Thankfully, ‘Star’ will never be forgotten as his name will live on at the LIME/Elvis “Star” Browne Football School of Excellence. It is good that he was acknowledged before he passed on.
SKNVibes joins the hundreds of football enthusiasts, his friends and colleagues in sending heartfelt condolences to his family. We thank them and him for the indelible contribution he made to our Federation. May his soul be blessed.
(P.S. To those overseas readers who are curious as to 'how 'Star' died', all we can say is that he had been ailing for some two years and it is believed that he succumbed to his illness. No official cause of death has been given by the family)
