[UPDATED] TT cricket fraternity mourns umpire Carlton Best

CARLTON Best was remembered as a bright star on the cricket horizon from whom great things were expected in the field of umpiring.

Best, 38, was last seen alive on Tuesday in Sangre Grande, but was found dead in Aranguez on Thursday. Details of his death were initially sketchy. However, a friend of Best confirmed the autopsy revealed he died from multiple gunshot wounds in an apparent robbery.

The Toco native was fondly remembered as a gentle giant who always tried to represent the highest ideals of umpiring.

In a TT Cricket Board (TTCB) press release, president of the board Azim Bassarath said he was shocked to hear the tragic news.

Bassarath, who is also chairman of the Cricket West Indies sub-committee of umpires and match officials, said Best’s passing has left a void which will not be easily filled.

“Carlton represented years of personal investment in the game he loved so much and he received the support of the umpire fraternity and the TTCB. We have been left stunned and deeply saddened by his passing,” Bassarath said.

Best worked for the National Union of General and Federated Workers and his loss will also affect his colleagues in the labour movement.

Although he struck an imposing figure of authority out in the middle, he was in fact quite soft-spoken and amiable.

His loss has slammed the local fraternity of umpires and scorers with a painful blow.

Paras Singh, head of the TT Cricket Umpires and Scorers Union, said only last month Best was officially certified to officiate in regional First Class matches.

His last big assignment was the Cricket West Indies Regional Under-17 Tournament, which was staged in Trinidad mere weeks ago.

Singh said Best was listed to be officially welcomed as a full-fledged West Indies umpire at the biennial convention of the regional body in Barbados, but could not as it coincided with his duties at the Under-17 tournament.

“He lived for cricket and put everything into becoming a top-class umpire and was liked and admired by all who came in contact with him,” said Singh.

The umpires boss revealed that Best was expected to attend a meeting of zone umpires in Sangre Grande on the night he was murdered.

Singh said his absence was unusual and one of his colleagues tried to contact him on his cell phone when he did not show up.

He is now calling on the authorities to do their best and bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to face justice.

“This was a man who was an asset to the community and a role model for Toco and environs. Carlton was a decent human being. Nothing could have prepared us for this outcome.

"He would have reached far in the cricket world as an umpire.

"Our condolences and prayers go out to his bereaved family, his friends and the entire cricket community,” said Singh.

General secretary of the Secondary Schools Cricket League Nigel Maraj in a statement said, "On behalf of the Secondary Schools Cricket League, I wish to extend to the family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers, our deepest condolences on the passing of umpire Carlton Best.

"Mr Best will surely be missed for his affable personality and his contribution to the umpiring fraternity. He was an excellent umpire and his service in SSCL matches will never be forgotten.

"The SSCL pays its respect to umpire Carlton Best. He would always be remembered for his undying love and devotion to cricket."

This story was originally published with the title "Umpire Carlton Best murdered" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AN autopsy has confirmed that local cricket umpire Carlton Best was murdered.

Best, 38, was last seen alive on Tuesday in Sangre Grande, before he was found dead in Aranguez on Thursday. Details of his death were sketchy up to press time on Thursday. However, a friend of Best confirmed that the autopsy revealed he died from multiple gun shot wounds.

The Toco native was fondly remembered as a gentle giant who always strived to represent the highest ideals of umpiring.

In a TT Cricket Board (TTCB) press release, president of the board Azim Bassarath said he was shocked to hear the tragic news.

Currently chairman of the Cricket West Indies sub-committee of Umpires and Match officials, Bassarath said Best’s passing has left a void which will not be easily filled.

“Carlton represented years of personal investment in the game he loved so much and he received the support of the umpire fraternity and the TTCB. We have been left stunned and deeply saddened by his passing,” Bassarath said.

Best was an employee of the National Union of General and Federated Workers and his loss will also impact his fellow employees in the labour movement.