THURSD MARCH 30, 2000 Wqe �leaner I

National Library of \-Tribute to Walsh

THE RICH, poor, young and old came out in support the motorcade, and also the few team their thousands yesterday, to express their heart­ members who came out-- Wave! Hinds and Chris felt congratulations to new Test record Gayle -- to support me on this occasion. The holder , during his celebratory response from the people was great and every­ motorcade through the City of Kingston. thing was well put together," said the former Walsh became Test 's record high wick­ Melrose primary school student. et-taker on Monday, when he surpassed 's Walsh made his first extended stop of the Kapil Dev's record of 434 by reaching motorcade at his former high school, Excelsior, 435 during the final Test match against where he was greeted heartily by the school com­ Zimbabwe. munity. There, Walsh was entertained for a few The 37-year-old fast bowler rode from Sabina minutes as Excelsior's top cheer-leading group Park, the island's centre of cricket, to Melbourne put on a dance for him. Cricket Club, his club, atop a well-decorated Then it was time for the formalities. Sydney flatbed truck carrying sound systems playing the Fenton, acting Principal of Excelsior, welcomed· new record, "Courtney", written by DJ Zumjay. him in brief remarks, following which, Mrs. Highpoint of the motorcade was the final stop, Cynthia Powell, widow of the Ron. A. Wesley about 12.40 p.m., at Melbourne Oval, Derrymore Powell, O.J., founder of Excelsior School, pre­ Road, where Walsh was given a hearty welcome sented with a plaque of honour. West Indies Test by supporters, many of whom had walked all the batsman, Chris Gayle, Walsh's teammate and way from Sabina Park. Also at the historic occa­ himself a past student of Excelsior, was joined in sion was Sheryl Lee-Ralph, the famous Jamaican the honours, with Excelsior Headgirl, Cornelia movie personality and singer. Kenwood, making a similar presentation to him. At his club, the wicket king was presented with The ceremony over, the motorcade hit the road a crystal globe on behalf of Melbourne, by Tony again. Becca, president of Melbourne Cricket Club. On arriving on Arthur Wint Drive, Walsh Becca said: "Courtney has become great, not stepped off the flatbed truck and, to the delight of only because of his skills, but also because of his the crowd and flashing cameramen, stood beside love for the game, his dedication, and his com­ the statue of Bob Marley and raised his hands in mitment. Courtney played with all his heart for the air. all the teams represented including Melbourne." "Missa Walsh, shake rni han'," a woman plead­ "This is the greatest day of my life," Walsh ed. "Mi de pan TV", said another proudly, recog­ said. The support of the people was great. They nising that she was sharing the spotlight with came out on the road from early in the morning to Walsh. Junior Dowie Members of ,Tamaica's cricket team form a Guard of Honour with bats while toasting Courtney Walsh, at a ceremony at Melbourne Cricket Club yesterday. Behind Walsh is Tony Becca, president Melbourne Cricket Club. •