PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Prominent jurist and former national cricketer, Prakash Moosai has described late former international umpire Clyde Cumberbatch as a man of “impeccable integrity.”
Speaking during a tribute at the funeral for Cumberbatch on Friday last, Moosai said the Trinidadian had always carried the highest values and these had always been evident during his umpiring career.
“The man was a man of impeccable integrity and he did what he thought was right and honest,” Justice Moosai told mourners gathered at All Saints Anglican Church.
“For that, Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies region owe him a lot because they were able to get someone who was so independent, full of integrity and impartial.”
Moosai, who played 20 first class matches for Trinidad and Tobago during the 1980s, said though Cumberbatch took officiating very seriously, he was often lighthearted off the field.
“Clyde had this no nonsense demeanour on the field of play but when he was off, he would always share a drink with the players and have a chat,” he recalled.
Former umpire Vivian Johnson, secretary of the West Indies Umpires Association, also said Cumberbatch had been defined by his integrity.
“Clyde would always be remembered as a man of tremendous integrity,” the Jamaican said.
“I umpired with him and shared a close relationship with a man I saw as a mentor.”
Cumberbatch passed away a week ago after falling ill at home and failing to recover after being rushed to hospital.
The 81-year-old stood in 12 Tests during a 14-year career between 1981 and 1995, and also officiated in 26 One-Day Internationals…
He was eulogised by his son Robert at the service attended by prominent local administrators administrators Baldath Mahabir, Lalman Kowlessar and Deryck Murray.
