The Dominica Cricket Association (DCA) says it is with a “deep sense of sadness and an immense amount of agony” that it heard the news of the sudden passing of one of its former executive members Gifford Walsh.
Walsh died in a vehicular accident on the evening of July 19, 2014.
According to a press release from the DCA an official condolence book will be open for signatures at the offices of the DCA at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium from Thursday, July 24th to Tuesday, July 29, 2014 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
“There are no words to express our sadness,” said Vice President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and DCA President, Emmanuel Nanthan in the release. “We are devastated at the sudden passing of Gifford and are mourning his loss at this time. Gifford was a cricketer, colleague, friend, an avid supporter of cricket and someone who dedicated a huge amount of time to development of the sport.”
He said that they worked very closely together and “it was indeed a privilege to have done so.”
Nanthan continued, “On behalf of the DCA, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his wife, Regina, his children, grandchildren and extended family, members of Cavaliers and other close friends. We pledge our steadfast support to his family and will assist in any way possible.”
He said Walsh will be greatly missed by those who knew and worked for him, and “the sport of cricket has lost one of its most dedicated administrators and we thank God for the opportunity to have been a part of his life. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Walsh was a former national cricketer and national cricket selector.
He excelled as a wicketkeeper and batsman on the national and Windward Islands teams and was a member of the Cavaliers Sports Club and the Saints Sports Club of Goodwill where he also served as Treasurer.
Walsh was also a national table tennis player, a national footballer and referee, a musician and a Finance Officer with the Forestry and Parks Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.
He served on the DCA Executive for the last ten years in the capacity of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and international games hosted in Dominica, since 2009 when the Windsor Park Sports Stadium became operational.
The cricketing community locally and regionally has been thrown into shock and mourns his untimely passing.
The release also stated that he was a gentleman and will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for cricket and the many sacrifices he made to ensure that the sport progressed and his commitment to whatever task he had at hand.
Walsh was killed on the Macoucherie Public Road when his vehicle collided with another on Saturday evening.
The police said Walsh lost control of his vehicle which overturned.
He was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical officer.
Regina, Rayne, Shawn and Junior – Take comfort in knowing that God see and knows your pain, and he is right there in the midst of it all to comfort and cheer. May you experience His peace that surpasses all understanding in this very difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Gifford, may your soul Rest in Peace! Gifford was just a great guy and friend. Though, he never visited Boston, he would always reach out to us when we were home. The broth was always ready whenever we were ready to hang with him.
It’s certainly a sad day for us and a suddenly death indeed, but ‘say la vie’ (that’s life).
Condolences to Regina, kids, relatives and friends!
Gone but will never be forgotten!
The details of the accident are so funny. It appears Gifford lost control BEFORE the accident. I would advise the family to do an autopsy to ascertain Gifford’s condition BEFORE the impact.
Regina-Accept my sympathy- Gifford was my captain during my playing days at SMA. He was responsible for me claiming the most wickets as a schoolboy at the division one level throughout Dominica in the early seventies.
May your soul rest in peace- You were a good man and will be missed.
That´s Bobo and Rain father for those who dont know.U have my condolences guys.And I talk for all S.M.A And Convent past students who know you guys.
May the Lord guide and give his wife, children family and friends his peace.
He was such a likeable person, easy going, personable and hard work. I came to know Walshy personally less than 20 years ago. In that time he was for me a giant of a friend. Ma Walsh tawk courage that the man you loved and was husband to you was a gentleman and a genuine friend to all. Bobo, Raine, Sean, Kevin, Thelma and others may God give you all the strength you need.
I worked together with Gifford at the banana shipping agent Geest Industries in the mid to late eighties.
A genuine, excellent hard working gentleman.
It’s very sad to hear of his tragic death.
May his soul rest in everlasting peace.
The Family of Mr. Walsh, I am deeply sadden to hear about your loss, I know it was so unexpected you have my deepest sympathy. To my cavaliers friends, I want you to know that I share in your grief.
He was indeed a gentleman Dominica has lost one it’s best in every way of life professionally.