a photo at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Back Row: l-r Laverne Caines (C&W St. Kitts & Nevis), Karen Morgan (C&W Jamaica) Seated l-r: Grace Griffin (Mother of Text Winner), Quinton Griffin (Text Winner) The Alberts (TSTT/KFC Winners - Trinidad)

The experience bowled off with the Scotia Bank West Indian Jubilee Gala, held at Symphony Hall Birmingham, where some of West Indies’ greatest cricketers of all time were ceremoniously honoured. 

The three-hour event climaxed with a dinner for selected invitees and brought a fitting end to an exciting evening.  “I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, being in the midst of such great West Indian cricket warriors, and reliving the glorious moments of West Indian dominance of the game,” said the proud winner of the text competition. 

Obviously too young to associate with the achievements and for that matter the faces of some of the pre-eighties players, Quinton bashfully told of coming into contact with Lance Gibbs who expressed surprise that he had never heard about him. 

Making quick amends by brushing up on his cricket history, the next time he ran into Sir Everton Weekes, he was able to confidently discuss some of his most memorable batting feats when he was at the peak of his game. 

Although his nominee Michael Holding was not named in the list of greatest cricketers of all time, he did receive a Bowling Award.  The Grand Prize winner also took delight in the disclosure by Umpire Dickie Bird that he nicknamed him (Michael Holding) ‘Whispering Death.’

A great start to his one-week trip, the Cable & Wireless winner was now looking forward to meeting Brian Lara at a Media Conference on the third day of the trip.  After all, there’s no mistaking the World record holder any where in the world. 

He relished the opportunity to photograph with him at the end of the Media conference called to announce Cable & Wireless’ four-year sponsorship agreement with the West Indies Team Captain.

But there was still another ‘big’ event that was eagerly anticipated – the opening day of the second test at Edgbaston.  The close proximity to the grounds not withstanding, the opportunity of seeing the first ball being bowled was missed, as the announcement of the teams were made while in the queue. 

But that was only the beginning of the disappointment, as the West Indian bowlers came in for a mauling on the first day, managing to muster a consolation 5 wickets at the close of play.  “I was glad that I witnessed it, at least I can now say that I saw an international match,” a still happy winner commented after the game.

In a note of thanks submitted to Cable & Wireless after the trip, Quinton wrote, “…I send thanks to Cable and Wireless and the organization Quintus in England for their gift in sending me to England for this memorable occasion and I can assure them that it has been meaningful to me and has made a great impact on my life. I wish them great success in the future and long continued service to the people of this world.”