- Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
The Gleaner's former Senior Sport Editor, Tony Becca, left, chats with president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Jackie Hendriks at Friday night's function at the East Lawn, Devon House.
Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
T
THE JAMAICA Cricket Association (JCA) honoured sports journalist extraordinaire, Tony Becca, at a cocktail function at the East Lawn, Devon House on Friday night.
It was their way to say thanks and president of the JCA, Jackie Hendriks, in his special message, said it was "a poignant occasion as we honour someone who has, for many years excelled in the field of sports journalism and who has left an indelible stamp in this field.
"(Tony) is a man for whom I have a great respect and I know him as one who stands for high principles and proper behaviour, especially on the cricket field," he said of The Gleaner's former Senior Sport Editor.
LONG AND ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER
The JCA president said, Becca in his columns, "has never failed to remind players and officials alike of the important roles they have to play as ambassadors, whether it be of the West Indies or of Jamaica".
In Courtney Walsh's cricketer's tribute, read by Jamaica's Red Stripe Bowl captain, Robert Samuels, he thanked Becca for a long and illustrious career as a sportsman and sports journalist.
"In my estimation, he has covered his wicket very well. He has earned my respect and admiration for his love and support of cricket, but most importantly for the high degree of professionalism which he brings to sports and sports journalism.
"I hail him as one of the masters in the sporting arena and I revere him as a father figure and role model for young players and writers," Walsh's tribute continued.
Attendees at Friday night's function included Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning; Brian Lara, West Indies captain; Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association; Pat Anderson, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) president; Molly Rhone, president of the International Federation of Netball Associa-tions (IFNA); Pat Rousseau, former president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), and other distinguished guests.
