It is with profound sadness that Cricket West Indies (CWI) has learned of the passing of a stalwart of the Umpiring fraternity, Mr John Richard “Johnny” Gayle, at the age of 96. Mr Gayle, who was awarded by the Government of Jamaica the Order of Merit for his contribution to Cricket Umpiring, stood in numerous local and regional matches, with the highlights of his career being three (3) test matches and two ODIs. His international debut was at Sabina Park, Jamaica on Feb 16, 1972 in the West Indies v New Zealand series. His final test was in 1986 at Sabina Park in the first test of the West Indies v England series. His two (2) ODIs were four (4) years apart with the first on April 26, 1984 at Sabina Park in the West Indies v Australia series and the second on March 12, 1988 v Pakistan also at home.

Mr Gayle served West Indies Cricket in other important capacities in addition to being an International and Regional Umpire. He was Honorary Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association, an Umpire-trainer and assessor, President and Honorary Secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Umpires Association, and as a representative on CWI’s (formerly WICB’s) Umpires Committee.

On behalf of Cricket West Indies and the wider Cricket Community, we extend condolences to Mr. Gayle’s family and loved ones and express our gratitude to them for sharing him with West Indies cricket. May his soul rest in eternal peace.