BRADES, Montserrat — In a solemn hush that fell throughout the Emerald Isle on Wednesday night, phrase unfold swiftly that Charles Henry “Jim” Allen — the person many hail as Montserrat’s greatest-ever cricketer — had died at roughly 6:30 p.m.
He was 73.
From 1969 to 1984, Allen’s swashbuckling stroke‑play lit up regional grounds and impressed a technology of younger Montserratians. “He was merely bigger than life,” recalled longtime pal and journalist Edwin Martin. But, as Allen as soon as confided to Martin, “by no means taking part in a Check for the official West Indies stays the most important remorse of my profession.”
Meteoric rise from Harris’ Village
Born within the rustic enclave of Harris’ Village, Allen introduced himself early, making his debut for Montserrat’s nationwide XI in 1969. Three years later — on 15 January 1972 in Roseau — he dazzled on first‑class debut for the Leeward Islands, following a scratchy single with an imposing 82 towards the Windwards.
His fearless, open‑chested stance and vast base quickly drew comparisons to teammate Vivian Richards — and, in lots of eyes, surpassed them for sheer leisure.
Allen’s audacity prolonged past the Caribbean. Throughout England’s northern summers he turned Montserrat’s first skilled athlete, thrilling crowds within the Lancashire and Cheshire Leagues. His zenith arrived within the 1976‑77 season: 559 first‑class runs, a commanding common of fifty.81, and a high rating of 150. Two seasons with the Kerry Packer World Collection additional burnished his popularity, even when a coveted West Indies Check cap by no means materialized.
A household woven into cricket’s material
Cricket was the Allen bloodline. His brother George Allen and son Davon Williams each represented Montserrat and the Leeward Islands at first‑class stage, extending a legacy now entrusted to future generations.
As flags fly at half‑workers throughout Brades and villagers collect in quiet reflection, Montserrat salutes a trailblazer who carved a path from hillside lanes to worldwide stadiums. Charles “Jim” Allen’s bat could also be nonetheless, however the echoes of his daring drives will reverberate by way of the Caribbean sport for many years to come back.
