By Tony McWatt
Legendary Caribbean cricket Radio Commentator Joseph “Reds” Perriera has called for his late colleague and friend Tony Cozier to be honoured posthumously. Perriera’s suggestion was made during the closing ceremony and presentation for the inaugural Cozier and Perreira T-6 Cup. The tournament was played over the April 15- 18, 2022 Easter Weekend at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Barbados Campus’ 3Ws Oval.
Cozier who was born on July 10, 1941 sadly succumbed to cancer on May 11, 2016, just two months shy of what would have been his 75th birthday. Either forthcoming anniversary, the May 11 sixth of his passing or the July 10 celebration of his now heavenly 81st birthday would, therefore, be a most opportune occasion for Perriera’s call to be publicly heeded by Barbados’ current Prime Minister Mia Mottley-led government.
As Reds noted in his Cozier-Perreira T-6 Tournament closing address, there should be no questioning by anyone as to the degree to which Cozier is deserving of being granted such an honour as one of the most globally famous sons of its soil that Barbados has ever produced.
“Cozier in my opinion is the most outstanding cricket journalist, as an all-rounder, that the world has ever had. We have produced many a great scholar, we as the Caribbean have produced two Nobel laureates, outstanding statesmen, outstanding athletes, great cricketers, but in Winston Anthony Lloyd Cozier, we have produced a commentator, who did television, radio and wrote print for the many newspapers in the world, all in one day. As far as I know, no other journalist has ever done that and we can be extremely proud of Tony Cozier!”
The scores of tributes from cricketers and fellow commentators, even from ordinary fans that poured in for Cozier in the days and weeks immediately following the announcement of his passing were testament to the very high esteem with which both his abilities as well as his contributions to West Indies cricket were held across the globe. Some of the comments made by England’s Guardian newspaper in its published tribute in response to
Cozier’s passing were highly instructive:
“Tony Cozier, was the consummate, constant reporter of Caribbean cricket for more than five decades. He was recognised by cricket followers around the world more by his voice than his appearance … yet all were captivated by the unmistakable, lilting tones of his commentary, while his readers trusted his clear and forthright analysis of West Indies cricket through thick and thin.
To watch Tony at work at a Test match was an education. He would glide between the TV commentary box to the (much smaller) radio box, then back to the press room where he would construct a couple of pieces for the Nation newspaper of Barbados, then perhaps another for the Independent in the UK. It seemed such an effortless process, albeit without a minute wasted.
His knowledge of the game was encyclopedic, and not restricted to the Caribbean. But he did not broadcast to impress his listener with his knowledge. It was never about him, but the game unfolding in front of him.
Tony described the action succinctly and with an objectivity that is beyond many modern broadcasters. His soothing voice allied to a sense of mischief whenever the occasion allowed brought a distant game to life. As a commentator – rather than a summariser – he was the helmsman of the broadcast. He had a light touch on the tiller but he could control what was happening if he wanted. Just occasionally, if his summariser was becoming a little overwrought and tiresome, Tony had the capacity to keep talking for over after over without allowing any interruption. Almost certainly the broadcast would be enhanced as a result.”
To such deservedly glowing comments on Cozier’s inimitable all-round capabilities must be added the fact that for many years he was also one of the most outstanding cricket publishers, certainly in the Caribbean, if not the entire world. Cozier’s initial Benson & Hedges West Indies Cricket Annual as well as its subsequent replacement, the Red Stripe Caribbean Cricket Quarterly, were both superb publications of the highest editorial standards.
As the Guardian also noted Coz, as he was fondly known by many, also made an outstanding contribution to Barbados’ tourism. His hosted annual Conset Bay beach-house parties, to which all visiting cricket journalists were invited, became legendary memorable occasions for the enjoyment of beach cricket, cricket talk, music, dancing and for the consumption by some of copious amounts of Bajan rum and other alcohol.
As anyone who knew him would readily testify, Tony Cozier loved to recognize and joyously celebrate everything good about West Indies cricket. As such in that regard in addition to Reds’ suggestion for Cozier to now be granted Barbados’ highest national honour posthumously, Cricket West Indies (CWI) should perhaps also now consider its hosting of an Annual Gala the presented awards at which would include recognition of the region’s Best Television Cricket Commentator for the preceding calendar year in Cozier’s name.
There could also be similar awards presented for the Best Cricket Radio Commentator in Reds’ name, as well as that for Best Print Journalist made in memory of Cozier’s other very good friend and namesake, the late Tony Becca of Jamaica. Such awards would, of course, be supplementary to the presentation of honors for West Indies Cricketer of the year overall, as well as in the respective categories for Tests, ODIs and T20s. There would also of course be similar awards for the outstanding Women’s and Youth cricketers.
If staged each January commencing in 2023 and with its hosting rotated annually among CWI’s member territories, such an event could become not only a major brand booster for West Indies cricket, but also potentially a hugely significant stimulant for Caribbean tourism. What better way could there be for West Indies cricket to start each new year than by celebrating the outstanding achievements of its players, officials and media practitioners during the preceding twelve months at an Awards Gala which simultaneously promotes the tourism-related attractions of the hosting country to a global television audience? If staged properly, it could become as big an annual event as the Caribbean equivalent of the Oscars or even arguably the Super Bowl
CWI’s CEO Johnny Grave has recently indicated publicly that the regional governing body is now set to enjoy a major improvement in its finances by this coming yearend. Using some of that surplus income to recognize the achievements of those who contributed to its generation would again be as good a way as any for CWI to start each New Year.
Even before then, on this coming November 30 to be exact, as Barbados celebrates its first anniversary as a Republic, among the National honours to be announced, should be the granting of Tony Cozier’s posthumously as the Most Honourable as his good friend Reds has so rightfully suggested. With his beloved wife, Jillian, having also passed subsequently Tony’s surviving children his son Craig and daughter Natalie can be invited to receive the honour in his name.
Over to you Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Barbados’ Madame President Sandra Mason now awaits your Tony Cozier highest national honour award recommendation.