St Jago stalwart 'Bongo' Barrett laid to rest

Sunday, February 19, 2012

FORMER St Jago High School long jump coach, athletics aficionado and ambassador, Norman Livingston 'Bongo' Barrett, was remembered for his love and passion for his alma mater and sport which lasted for almost a half-a-century.

The former all-schools wicketkeeper/batsman and goalkeeper received flowing tributes from the likes of athletics commentator Hubert Lawrence and former JFF and St Catherine FA president Lincoln 'Happy' Sutherland.

Personalities such as St Jago track and field manager John Leiba and former girls track coach, athlete and Head of the Physical Education department, Marlene Lewin-Hawthorne also paid tribute at the Spanish Town Cathedral on yesterday.

Barrett was remembered for his indelible mark and invaluable contribution to the sport and school he loved.

Lawrence, a St Jago Old Boy, noted that Barrett was known for his cricket and football exploits in his youthful days but left the greatest mark on athletics as one of three individuals -- along with Leiba and Horace Brown -- to have pioneered the track programme at the Spanish Town institution in the 1960s.

Barrett also guided many youngsters to long jump medals at Boys and Girls Champs, including Pan Am triple jump bronze medallist Suzette Lee.

He accommodated athletes recruited from deep rural communities, including Olympians Julieth Cuthbert and Julieth Campbell.

Lewin-Hawthorne describe the man affectionately called 'Bongo' as a father figure to the athletes and a humble and reliable individual who would go to great lengths for both school and athletes.

"For the athletes who needed someone to sign the papers when they got scholarships, Mr Barrett would never refused to sign one," she said.

She noted that he was present at the school every day at 2:30 pm and was never late, leaving many to wonder

how he completed his hectic work schedule.

Sutherland remembered Barrett for his goalkeeping talent, his optimism and as a true St Jago man.

Schoolmate and long distance coach Leiba said Barrett was an inspiration to those who knew him.

Barrett, who is survived by son Noel, daughter Suzan and seven grandchildren, was laid to rest at Dovecot following the service.