CATEGORY:CONDOLENCE
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By Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Thursday December 07,2006


ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - The Cricketing fraternity at home and the Windward Islands is mourning the loss of the former Grenada captain and Windward Islands all-rounder Kenny Hobson, who died on Sunday from a kidney ailment. Hobson lost both of his kidneys and was suffering from renal failure over the last five years. It was indeed a tough experience for Hobson affectionately called- Kapil Dev – the former Indian Cricket captain by his friends.

He was forced to fly out weekly to Trinidad and Tobago for Dialysis treatment. At the time of his passing, he was the Clerk of the Grenada Parliament. Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell on behalf of the government has expressed deep sympathy to the family of Hobson. He said that the commitment and dedication for the parliament has been held in high esteem, especially as it concerns improving parliamentary standards.

Dr Mitchell said that Hobson was very instrumental in getting parliament up and running after the Church Street location was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan and recalls the high level of enthusiasm and spirit he displayed, while moving to the Grenada Trade Centre. “Even at a time battling with a serious illness must be a matter of being very patriotic to duty”, the Prime Minister said. Hobson was also the president of the Grenada Cricket Association and a member of the Windward Islands Cricket Board.

He headed the local delegation to a meeting of the board two weeks ago in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Hobson was spotted early as a youngster with much talent, who along with former opening batsman Raphael Croney, won scholarships to train and study at the prestigious Alf Grover Cricket Academy in England in 1978. He was the captain of the national cricket in the 1980’s during which time he also represented the Windward Islands.

Hobson was considered a good all-rounder. He is known for his medium, fast bowling and hard-hitting but elegant stroke play. It was always a joy to see him strike the ball down to ground for towering sixes from clean hits. His warm and hospitable personality will be missed by all.