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His opponents whispered his name and were unwilling to look him in the eye, cowering in fear when he ran towards them. His contemporaries, on the other hand, adored, even idolised his raw talent, and were at ease with his quiet nature off the field of play.

And yesterday, that name was etched in marble and memory for every Barbadian to cherish, and at a place called Lords. This time, however, it wasn't the British, but the Bajans, who were providing the applause.

Charles Christopher Griffith, the quiet, unassuming man whose blazing speed, frightening scowl, and deadly yorker brought him international attention, was honoured yesterday.

Having represented the thousands of quiet voices from the rural parish of St Lucy as a West Indies fast bowler, Griffith was given the ultimate remembrance at 12:31 p.m., as Minister of Sport Rudolph Cappy Greenidge did the honours, renaming the small Ignatius Byer Pavilion in Lowlands, St Lucy, the Charles Griffith Centre.

This is the perfect example as to why we should remember some of our heroes when they are still alive, Greenidge told the crowd on hand. Charles Griffith lifted his community, and the people in his community, and was always an inspiration to them. For a country boy, he was the person who made them feel like first-class citizens, and not small people.

Yesterday's renaming of the small facility was the second event of the Charlie Griffith Week a series of events this week organised by Empire Sports Club, which Griffith represented during his heyday, and served as president for 13 years.

I've never been a person for limelight, even though I played for the West Indies, said Griffith. Even though he was the talk of town, Griffith kept his modesty at the forefront. It's just a case of people recognising the contribution I made to cricket. They realised I should be remembered for the hard work I put in, and for that I'm very grateful. I'll remember this.

The white writing on the plaque bearing his name will now be read by cricket fans and St Lucy residents for eons. It reads: The Centre, bearing the name of this fine son of St Lucy's soil, is for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents and friends of the surrounding districts.

Less than five minutes after Griffith himself admired the marble plaque, children from St Clement's and Lowlands were on their knees, reading about a hero about whom they had heard numerous stories, but had never seen perform.

Rev. Wes Hall, Griffith's pace partner, was again at his side.

I'm sure now that Charlie will recognise how much Barbadians love him, and how much they appreciate what he has done, Hall said.

© The Barbados Nation