This week Bermuda lost a true giant of a man. Although thin in stature, Mr. Oliver Caisey, O.B.E., had a dignified, regal presence about him that made everyone take heed and show respect.

He was a true role model for generations of cricketers with his invariable immaculate attire. If ever there was a man who could bleed blue and blue it would have been Mr. Caisey, as his love for St.George's Cricket Club and Cup Match was so genuinely his heart and soul.

His passion for the game of cricket and Cup Match, in particular, was so evident. Like so many others, Cup Match was not a time for working at the job. His bosses knew first hand that the annual classic was near and dear to his heart and there was only one place he wished to be on Emancipation Day and Somers Day.

One of the greatest honours we could pay Mr. Caisey would be to ensure that this lovely game, rich in history and tradition, continues to hold its rightful place in our community. In days gone by, spectators came to the match dressed in their Sunday best, the men wearing hats, the ladies in dresses and some bringing along their mascot. The ride to Cup Match on one of the two Cup Match boats was also very special.

The riding of the white horse by the winning captain, the victory marches with man-made torches that created a sea of fire above the crowd certainly captivated every young boy's imagination. With the drums beating, the fans singing and the players dressed in all white and decked out in their club blazers, served as our heroes.

Certainly, in those days, when tennis ball cricket held in the street or yard was being played, every youngster imitated a local hero. My brothers would pretend to be Rupert Scotland or Eldon Raynor, and someone was always Lee Raynor, kicking back the turf as they prepared to bowl with vigour and pace.

The good old days, as we call them, probably had similar scenes being played out across the Island. We would do well to emulate the example set by people such as Mr. Oliver Caisey.

A reliable servant to his beloved club, St. George's Cricket Club, Mr. Caisey stood elegantly in the club's auditorium, greeting guests and visitors alike during both days of the annual classic. He was a man who was undoubtedly cognizant and very knowledgeable of the history and heritage of this great match.

He would have known that it had grown immensely from its humble beginnings at the Garrison field in 1902. He would have known the role that the lodges played in these formative years. He would have been aware of the role that the Governor of the day played, and he was personally keen to see that the community supported Cup Match, shown by the fabulous trophies and awards donated at his chaired prize giving ceremonies.

Similarly, he would have marvelled over the mob of East End supporters who lined Kings' Square to greet their victorious warriors back home as the Cup Match boats returned from Somerset.

Ah yes – tradition, a simple word with such deep meaning. As a youngster, there was but one aim that a budding cricketer possessed and that was to one day represent St. George's Cricket Club or Somerset Cricket Club . To jog around the field during warm-ups hearing spectators' shouts, horns blazing and to feel the electricity in the air was simply a fascinating phenomenon. Mr. Caisey knew this, as he also realised and supported how the spectators ran onto the field to momentarily acknowledge the players' achievements, which was unique to Cup Match.

He was keen to ensure that year after year, decade after decade, St. George's Cricket Club put its proverbial best foot forward. Thankfully, persons such as Mr. Reginald Pearman and Ms Charlotte Simons have continued to serve on the BCB, as they too shared Mr. Caisey's views and ensured that persons from other shores, or even from other local clubs, were not permitted to tamper with the operations of our Cup Match Classic.

Mr. Caisey would have been pleased to know that at his home going ceremony, his pall bearers included Cup Match legends: Noel Gibbons, Clevie Wade, Wendell Smith, Allan Douglas, Charlie Marshall and his club's current president, Mr. Neil Paynter. He would have been pleased to know also, that other accomplished cricketers such as Lionel Thomas, Lionel Cann, Leroy Tubby) Richardson and Allan Richardson (along with many others) were also present to pay their last respects.

Cricket lovers, we have something special in Cup Match. It is rich in tradition and over the years numerous families have entered the stage and performed before the adoring audiences.

These include: the Hunts, the Hortons, the Basdens, the Raynors, the Pitchers, the Foggos and the Tuckers, to name just a few.

Mr. Oliver Caisey was well aware of this too. As stated before, let us preserve this great game and honour its fallen heroes.

Mr. Caisey, you came, you saw and you conquered. Thank you for the role you played in making this great event what it is – the most significant sporting event on our local calendar. May you Rest in Peace.