Leonard Tim Hector - An Appreciation
Thu, Nov 14, '02
As minister responsible for sports in Antigua , I take this
opportunity on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua &
Barbuda, my ministry, my family and on my own behalf to express
heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late Leonard Tim Hector.
Leonard, as we fondly called him was a man for all seasons. None
amongst us would question his contributions to education, sports
and politics. None there are who would question his love for
Antigua & Barbuda and his belief in the capacity and
capabilities of our people.
A fire-brand politician, Leonard understood more than many what
it is to be an Antiguan.
He understood the cut and thrust of local politics but demonstrated
an abiding sense of occasion and timing. I had the opportunity of
working with him albeit on the other side of the aisle in the Upper
House.
His contributions are documented for posterity in Hansaard. Every
secondary school student and every aspiring politician should avail
themselves of the opportunity of studying Leonard?s contributions
to issues of national importance.
His commitment to education was reflected in his life long work, be
it his weekly contribution in the Outlet Newspaper for which he
served as editor, the many lives that he touched as a school
teacher or in his facilitating the educating of scores of young
Antiguans at universities across North America and in Cuba.
He was an intellectual of the highest order. The respect that he
earned within the Caribbean and throughout the black diaspora
places him in a category of a national hero of Antigua &
Barbuda. His was a fine, analytical mind. Antigua & Barbuda is
the poorer for his passing.
In sports, few would remember him as an athlete. Yes, he did have
his own moments in competitive sports. Many though, would remember
Leonard as an umpire, cricket commentator, administrator or as a
member of the then West Indies Cricket Board of Control (WICBC).
More recently, this after he announced his retirement from active
politics, he opted to return to sports administration: his first
and real love.
At the time of his untimely passing, Tim Hector served as Chairman
of the National Sports Council.
In this capacity, he undertook the construction of the first
national indoor sports centre ? a project still under construction.
His commitment to the development of the Antiguan athlete is
unparalleled and dates back to his serving as secretary of the
Antigua Cricket Association.
It was his intention to move sports administration and sports
management to a new level where athletes would receive medical
services, dietary requirements and first class facilities and
amenities in pursuit of their dreams.
He was committed to making Antigua & Barbuda a competitive
country in world sports. He is gone, but his dream lives on.
I, as minister of sports, will ensure that the construction, which
was started on Old Parham Road, continues apace and that every
Antiguan athlete is given the opportunity to realize their fullest
potential.
In honour of Leonard?s life and work, and in ensuring that this
true Antiguan hero lives on, I will urge my government to dedicate
the facility, upon completion, to the honour of Leonard Tim Hector.
May he find comfort with his ancestors.
* This appreciation first appeared in the Antigua Sun
newspaper.