Under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, a pre-launch ceremony took place on August 27, 2024 for the book entitled Larry Gomes, “Mr Dependable”, My Life in Cricket.
In attendance were Larry Gomes and his family, now residents of Toronto, Dr and Mrs Rolph Balgobin, executive chairman of the book’s sponsor, the Quicksilver Group of Companies, Nasser Khan, author, acting consul general Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette, members of the Toronto media and other distinguished guests.
The book, Larry Gomes, “Mr Dependable”, My Life in Cricket, is foreworded by the Honourable Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, the Honorable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development, as well as cricketing legends, Sir Clive Lloyd, Deryck Murray and Michael Holding.
Following the official launch carded for October 2024 in Trinidad and Tobago, all schools, libraries, the University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), National Archives and other institutions will receive copies. There will be another launch in Toronto before the end of the year, after which copies will also be given to the Ontario Schools Cricket Association.
At the function, author Nasser Khan commented that, “Through the pages of this book, readers will be captivated and inspired by a sense of nostalgia for the West Indies glory days. The West Indies cricket fraternity, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, should be proud of this unassuming, reserved son of the soil who, through determination and an unrelenting work ethic, rose to become an international cricket hero to many.”
During his career, Larry Gomes scored 12,982 First Class, 3,171 Test and 1,415 ODI runs, took 107 First Class, 15 Test and 41 ODI wickets, and held 77 First Class, 18 Test and 14 ODI catches.
Of special interest is a chapter “Blood Money, I can’t do it!”.
