Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo statement on the passing of Basil Butcher AA.

Basil Fiztherbert Butcher AA.

Guyanese cricket player Basil Fiztherbert Butcher AA.,

It is with great sadness that I learnt last evening of the passing of legendary Guyanese and West Indian cricketer Basil Fiztherbert Butcher AA.

On behalf of the government and people of Guyana I extend deepest condolences to his wife Pamela, children and relatives. Mr. Butcher was a Guyanese cricketing giant who represented Guyana and the West Indies in a golden era and played alongside icons of the game.

He was also an integral member of the organizing committee for the first Mashramani celebrations in Linden and served in various capacities as a public servant during and after his cricketing career. Butcher received the Golden Arrow of Achievement for his contributions to Guyanese society, a fitting and deserving recognition of his outstanding work. His spirit will remain with us as we embark on celebrating the 50th anniversary of Guyana becoming a republic and his immense legacy will live on.

We share the loss of this great son of Guyana, but join in celebrating his accomplished and exemplary life of service to Guyana and cricket. Butcher passed on Monday, December 16th in Florida, USA after a period of illness. He played 44 Test matches for the West Indies from 1958 to 1969 and scored seven centuries including a highest score of 209 not out. He was one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year for 1970. Butcher was 86 years old.

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