Desmond Lewis: a star not allowed to shine

THE EDITOR, Sir:
I wish to pay tribute to Desmond Lewis, the former West Indies player who passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, last Saturday. Lewis came from a humble background and through good values and attitude became an outstanding cricketer and gentleman. 
He was a member of All Saints Youth Club in Jones Town and lifted so many in the community when he made the West Indies team. Lewis would ride his bicycle and distribute a famous sports magazine. Afterwards, he would journey to Kensington Cricket Club and spend the entire afternoon honing his skills at batting and wicketkeeping.  
Lewis was selected from Jamaica and performed credibly and caught the eyes of West Indies selectors. He replaced Mike Findlay in the last three Tests against India in 1971. He averaged 86.33 in batting and had eight dismissals at stumps.
Would you believe that the next West Indies series, he was dropped and replaced with the same player he had displaced? It was easily one of the worst selection blunders in West Indies cricket. 
Lewis did not allow disappointment to consume him, as he says that his father told him there was enough bitterness in the world. 
KARL GOODISON