Alphonso Bridgewater, renowned athlete from St. Kitts and Nevis passes away at 72

St. Kitts and Nevis: Celebrated sports figure Alphonso Bridgewater passed away on Thursday, April 11. Sports enthusiasts in St. Kitts and Nevis as well as across the globe, are mourning the loss. In addition to being a great athlete, he was also one of the longest-serving presidents of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee.

Bridgewater has chaired the President seat of the Olympic committee since 1992 and has made unparalleled contributions in his service. To extend gratitude for his service, the committee unitedly decided to rename the Olympic House as the Alphonso E. Bridgewater House.

He was a man of many talents and worked as national coach and manager for the national football, basketball and track and field teams. He was also a renowned national-level cricket player and captain for national soccer and basketball teams.

Bridgewater was honoured with the title of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. He also won national awards, such as the Companion Star of Merit, and several others.

Through his athletic skills, he not only brought laurels for the country but also contributed to society by heading the St. Kitts and Nevis Waste Management Corporation for more than 20 years. He guided the organization from its initial days of establishment to its zenith. Soon after the news of his demise surfaced on social media, people flooded the platforms, expressing grief for their beloved ‘Bridges’. Prominent online blogging sites and pages from the sport industry shared glimpses of his life and remembered him. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrace Drew, expressed his grief saying that Bridgewater was much more than just a leader, he was an inspiration for the upcoming athletes who dream of a global stage. He accepted that the demise left an undeniable mark on the society. Lastly he expressed his condolences to Alphonso’s loved and wished for the late athlete's soul to attain peace.

People responded to the prime minister's message in support, commenting that ‘Bridges’ will continue to live in their hearts forever.