BASSETERRE. St. Kitts - IT was a sad crowd that gathered at the Anglican Church in Basseterre on Thursday afternoon (29 Sept) to say goodbye to one of their very own, their friend, their coach, their buddy, their “Star” – Elvis Glenroy Browne.
The church was filled and one could feel the common bond that brought all mourners together – their love and admiration for this ‘young’ (50 years old) football enthusiast whom all felt had ‘gone too soon’
Striking in their red uniforms among the mourners were the young female footballers whom Star had pioneered into existence and of whom he was very proud. They were among the many who paid tribute to ‘Star’ in song.
Others bringing glorious tributes in song were the Department of Sports, the National Bank Chorale and Mrs. Gloria Roberts.
Key participants in the service were his close friends and colleagues – Mr. Charles Morton, Mrs. Shirmel Joseph (sister), and Mr. Lloyd Lazar while Archdeacon Valentine Hodge delivered the sermon/address.
There were not enough adjectives to describe this engaging and compassionate fellow- human whose signature trait was that he was happy to help anyone he could and would always offer his services gladly.
Though many would describe, at the ceremony, how much he helped them in football couching and in sports administration, there were other groups who spoke up in private after the ceremony describing how much they appreciated his help in their endeavours. These included the Early Childhood Unit headed then by Mrs. Vanta Walters and the Special Olympics headed then by Ms Clarice Cotton.
The eulogy was given by Mr. Alphonso Bridgewater who eloquently spoke of the many aspects of ‘Star’s’ life and how many-sided he was.
Hopefully, we will get a copy so that his overall contribution to his friends, family and country can be recorded in our history.
It could be seen from the Eulogy that ‘Star’s’ light shone brightly wherever he went and therefore all experienced the pang of loss as they meditated on the fact that this bright spark, this ‘Star”, would be gone from their lives forever.
From the wide cross-section of those attending, one could tell how much of an impact ‘Star’ made on his community. The service was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Douglas, as well as Minister of Sport, Mr. Phillip, other Parliamentarians, dignitaries, sports officials, schoolchildren, neighbours, family and friends. Sports officials had flown in from Antigua and other islands to pay tribute to their ‘colleague’ but one whom they also called their friend.
And as all gathered to say goodbye to ‘Star’, all felt grateful that they had known him and that St. Kitts Nevis and Sports in general were blessed to have had his skills, his personality and his drive among them for a while.
To his wife and family, the Federation and SKNVibes once again extend condolences and thanks for sharing the life of Elroy ‘Star’ Browne with us all.
May his soul rest in peace.
