President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Verla De Peiza has paid tribute to prominent businessman Rawle Brancker on his passing.
Below is the full text of the statement:
Rawle Cecil Brancker was born, November 1937 In the little village of Emmerton Saint Michael.
He rose to fame and prominence in Barbados through his cricketing exploits first as a schoolboy for Combermere then as a young man for the Empire Cricket club. He demonstrated prowess with both bat and ball, and it was no surprise when he was called for National duty. Less than 10 matches in he caught the eye of the regional selectors and proudly wore the West Indies cap for the first time in the 1966 tour of England. Later, he also captained the Barbados side.
His retirement from the field did not mean an abandonment of the game, as he became more involved in the development of younger cricketers through his activities at Empire Club garnering him the accolade of honorary Vice President and Trustee of the club. He also was an integral part of the initial planning committee for cricket World Cup 2007.
Off the field, Mr. Brancker was busy as well. He was a noted black businessman: a co-founder of Barbados Lumber Company and the owner of Brancker’s on Fontabelle. He also was a dedicated and committed member of the Democratic Labour Party.
As his beloved daughter has predeceased him, he leaves to mourn his wife and two sons, his close and dear friends Sir Philip Greaves, Sir Wes Hall, and the remainder of the weekly domino club.
The Democratic Labour Party extends condolences to his immediate family, his extended family including the cricketing fraternity, and all who mourn his passing. Our country is the poorer without this son.
President of the Democratic Labour Party
Verla De Peiza
