By Dexter Theodore
Sporting icon, Francis “Mindoo” Phillip was laid to rest yesterday, 15th May, 2006 in the shade of the majestic Samaan tree which stands sentinel over the Mindoo Phillip Park, one of the island's foremost sporting and cultural venues, renamed in Mindoo's honour following Saint Lucia's attainment of independence.
Mindoo rose to cricketing prominence as an aggressive righthanded batsman and a more than able bowler who represented Saint Lucia and the Windward Islands in the 1950's and 1960's. Many pundits believe that absent the discrimination which players from the smaller islands faced in those days, Mindoo would have represented the West Indies in international cricket.
After he retired from cricket Mindoo gave selfless service to his community as a cricket umpire, soccer referee, cricket coach and curator of the Mindoo Phillip Park.
It was therefore no wonder after he succumbed to stomach cancer on Friday 5th May 2006 that the decision was taken to hold his funeral ceremony at the Park and also to inter his earthly remains under the spreading Samaan tree there.
Rest in Peace, Francis “Mindoo” Phillip.
