Another devastating loss rocked the basketball community over the weekend when former player Wesley ‘Beast’ Haynes passed away during a traditional Sunday morning (August 9) “sweat” at the St. Barbs basketball court in Laventille.
The shocking news came following the recent death of basketball coach and administrator, Anthony Lewis about two (2) weeks prior.
Haynes, 42, was well known throughout the basketball landscape due to his firm stature and size advantage. Amidst his rugged playing style on the court, the “Beast” was a joyous and polite individual outside the field of play.
During his active playing career, Haynes, who was a resident of Chaguanas, played for teams such as the Republic Bank Arrows, National Flour Mills (NFM), Off-Limits, Veterans and Straker Nets. He also acted in additional roles functioning as a referee and table official and worked as a welding instructor at the MIC Institute of Technology.
Saddened by his death, Straker Nets Head Coach, Barry Stewart who was present during the incident said “He was my friend and advisor to me and my organization. A vibrant, aggressive and very vocal on-court player.”
The close relationship between the two (Stewart and Haynes) radiated into their social life. “He is enjoyable, like to “wine” and play all fours. He also loved to travel with me to New York. His wife and I are good friends” said Stewart.
Long-time friend and teammate Kwesi Julien played with Haynes for many years sharing the court as teammates with the Republic Bank Arrows, NFM and Straker Nets clubs throughout their careers. Julien reflected on his first encounter with Haynes with Arrows stating “Playing for Republic Bank Arrows, Wesley took me under his wings and showed me the ropes. He gave me confidence and helped me to grow as a young player. He will be greatly missed.”
Former NFM Head Coach, Jamal Duke also recalled his relationship with Haynes. Duke stated “Wesley and I grew up as neighbours. From a young age, he was always the life of whatever we were doing. He was a trusted friend who would stand up for you. As a player, he was a hard worker, showed up first for practice, great teammate, love to be the enforcer, the one who will do anything on the court for his team, just an awesome role player”. Duke, who was also present at the time of the incident, continued “It was really, really sad to see my childhood friend, neighbour, someone that I coached for so many years pass away in my presence. No words.”
In remembrance of Haynes, a series of activities will be organized by the basketball fraternity leading up to his funeral. On Tuesday, the conventional “light up” observance took place from St. Paul Street to the St. Barbs basketball court, followed by a candlelight vigil and “sweat” in Paradise Heights, Morvant scheduled for Wednesday.
Thursday, a wake will be held at Haynes’ residence in Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas, while another candlelight vigil and basketball activities will be observed tomorrow.
On behalf of the local basketball family, the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago would like to extend sincere condolences to his wife Nadia Alexander-Haynes and son Nathaniel and the rest of his family and friends on his recent passing.
The funeral service for Wesley ‘Beast’ Haynes is Saturday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-of-Spain.