Morrel ‘Slybo’ Newton was widely recognized as one of the best Footballers ever to come out of Nevis. As a matter of fact, he was regarded as arguably the best ‘ball’ player that Nevis has known. He mastered most sports, be it Cricket, Basketball, Tennis, Golf, Volleyball and of course his favourite, Football. He was also a more than decent long distance runner and it is understood that he still has records standing at the Charlestown Secondary School.
On the evening of Saturday fourth December, the sportsman extraordinaire was honoured posthumously in an impressive ceremony held at Stoney Grove. The idea bore fruit through the efforts of the newly formed Stoney Grove Sports and Social Club who immediately made an impact in honouring one of their very own. According to President of the club, Mr. Emmanuel Jeffers, the Nevis Island Administration gave their full support to the idea of naming a newly constructed Bus stop which is located next to the Charlestown Pre School, in honour of the great man.
There was a fair sized and appreciative turn out to the event which included some of Nevis’ Sporting heroes including: Stuart Williams, Carl Tuckett, Jeannette Grell Hull and Kurvin Wallace who chaired the proceedings. Members of teams that Slybo previously represented were also on hand in uniform. These included: Brand Architecture Slybo Stoney Grove Strikers; St.Paul’s team out of St.Kitts and Bath United.
Team sponsor for the Stoney Grove team, Spencer Brand was high in praise for the achievement s of the late sporting icon and indicated that he deserved every possible accolade.
One of Slybo’s daughters, Ms Felicia Hanley rendered two poems in honour of her Dad, while his son Shakir Claxton bravely spoke of what his father meant to him as a mentor. “I wish he was still around to teach me more”, he commented.
Area representative, Hon. Robelto Hector reminisced on his days of playing sports in the Stoney Grove area and attested to the multi talented nature of the late hero. He complimented the Sports and Social club for their positive outlook and admonished them to keep up the good work.
Carl Liburd, representative of Lefco, the company which actually constructed the bus stop free of cost, after being approached by Minister Hector, indicated that his company was in the habit of giving back to the community in order to enhance community spirit and pledged their continued commitment to the Government and people of Nevis in assisting with similar projects.
Popular Sports caster Malcolm Ramsey indicated that he did not need a prepared script to reel off an impressive profile on his late friend Slybo. Just to show the natural ability of the man, he noted that Slybo was just passing by the Villa grounds and observing a trial match to select a Nevis youth team one day. They needed someone to field. He volunteered and eventually got to bat and impressed the selectors to the point that he was drafted into the Nevis youth team, even though he was not even called to trials!
He also called on Minister Hector and the Nevis Island Govt to name something else in honour of Slybo and hinted to something in Bath Village like the Bath Village playing field.
Presentations of trophies won by the great man and jerseys that he wore for various teams were also presented to his mother Veronica Arthurton and his children. These presentations were made by Stoney Grove Strikers’ Manager Gary Claxton, Alex Claxton and the St.Paul’s team.
His mother Veronica Arthurton in her response thanked the Nevis Island Govt and the Stoney Grove Sports and Social Club for the gesture but had special praises for the St.Paul’s team which she indicated gave support to Slybo even when he was alive.
The vote of thanks was eloquently delivered by President of the club, Mr. Emmanuel Jeffers.
Also present at the ceremony was the father of the late sportsman, Morell Claxton.
Immediately after the ceremony, the action moved to the ETW Park where St.Paul’s engaged the Nevis Football champions, Stoney Grove Strikers for a first hold of what will now be referred to as the ‘Slybo cup’.
The match was evenly poised right up to 15 minutes to the final whistle with both teams ruing missed opportunities and with the home team arguably getting the better of the exchanges. However, that is when St.Paul’s went into overdrive. With the additional pressure in the vicinity of the goal, Sheldon Lawrence went low to head out a ball and the referee ruled that he had handled the ball in the danger area. St.Paul’s easily put away the resulting penalty.
Within minutes they caught the Stoney Grove defence flat footed and struck the back of the net a second time. Final score-two goals to nil in favour of St.Paul’s who officially gets the first hold of the Slybo cup. It is understood that this will become an annual event which will also involve the Bath United team as from next year
