Raymond “Ray” Watkins - First President of Abilene Wildcats of Arima
Raymond “Ray” Watkins, First President of Abilene Wildcats
of Arima dies at 97 years.
Today is a day for remembering, with honor and love, Raymond
“Ray” Watkins. Not many people outside the Municipality of Arima
ever knew our Ray.
The Trinidad & Tobago was too busy with schemes and
scandals to notice the hidden treasure we had among us - Raymond “Ray” Watkins.
Even in this community, not many people knew it was Abilene
President Ray Watkins, Abilene Team Doctor, Dr Eugene Laurent, Roderick Reese -
Manager/Coach of Arima Valiant Cycle Club, and Dr Cliff Bertrand - Founder of Abilene
Wildcats Athletic Club, who stimulated the thought process of the then leaders
of the Arima Borough Council to give the Velodrome and Running Track space in
the Santa Rosa Savannah.
Ray Watkins and his team pleaded with the then Mayor of
Arima, Percy Cezair, and pressed the Council Members, until they agreed to
build the Velodrome, Athletic Track, and by extension created the space for
Netball, Tennis, Football and Basketball.
The primary schools and environs also went on to enjoy these
facilities.
They also gained the blessings of Dr. Eric Eustace Williams,
Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, “Father of our Nation”. Who went on to
break the ground for construction of the facilities.
Ray Watkins: The scout master. Leader of the people!
The Volunteer for Youths in Arima.
He promoted the mission of preparing Scouts, and Venturers
to make ethical and moral choices during their lifetime by instilling in them
the values of the Scout Oath: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to
God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all
times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
His Visualization for members of Abilene Wildcats of the
Borough of Arima was the will to prepare every eligible youth in Arima to become a
responsible, participating citizen and leader to be guided by the Scout Oath.
Raymond ”Ray” Watkins wanted members of the Abilene Wildcats
Athletic Club to embrace a culture of servant leadership, with a view to
success for all. To be prepared to become the best leader he or she can be.
This concept Ray lived long enough to experience. Abilene
Wildcats Athletic Club of Arima sent over 30 athletes to the Olympic Games and
they brought home a Bronze Medal in the process.
Ray experienced the celebration of these achievements. He
was fortunate to live the experience as his kids embraced the opportunities
when they pushed themselves beyond their existing “limits” for T&T and
Arima.
Ray’s foundation work was realized during his lifetime!
Ray’s energy was phenomenal! He loved life. His mission
accomplished. However he understood his mission, he had given his all; and now
he was making the supreme gift of his life. It would be great if we could die
with the assurance that we had carried out our mission - That we are leaving no
unfinished business behind.
So let us not mourn for Ray. Rather, let us mourn for
ourselves who are without him, still living in our own tents.
Do not grudge Ray his rest. Ray has not left us, but has
gone on before. Ray’s final ride drove him passed the school where children
strove at recess in the ring, he passed the fields of gazing mango and cashew,
and he passed the setting sun as his carriage held but just himself and
immortality.
His legacy: Laurie, Tony, deceased Patsy - his wife, The
Arima he loved, The Teacher, The Director of the Youth Camp, The Scoutmaster,
The President of Abilene Wildcats Athletic Club.
His Assignment is over!
Dr.Cliff Bertrand
Founder of Abilene
Wildcats Athletic Club.
Former NYC Board of Education
Public School
Administrator
