(Trinidad Guardian) The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) came to the aid of former T&T captain and fast bowler Prince Bartholomew yesterday by giving him $30,000 to assist with obtaining a prosthetic leg. Bartholomew, 72, had one of his leg amputated last year and his plight was brought to the attention of WIPA by journalists Andre Baptiste and Nasser Khan. WIPA president Dinanath Ramnarine on learning of the situation, decided to assist by contributing $30,000 towards a prosthetic leg. In response, the former T&T allrounder said he was very grateful for the help. “I want to sincerely thank WIPA and you in particular Dinanath for your assistance. It is my hope now that I get the proper medical assistance, so I can get back to being mobile.”
Bartholomew added that his doctors told him he has an 80 per cent chance of saving his other leg. He explained: “My problems began with poor circulation and this is why I lost the leg. There is a blockage on the other leg but the doctors said they would bypass it and I have a very good chance of saving the leg.” Ramnarine said since WIPA was a players’ body, the organisation could not allow Bartholomew’s situation go by. “We are very happy to assist players because we represent players and want the best for them. “It is sad to see players suffering and one day it could be any of us. We are grateful to assist Prince who made a telling impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s cricket.” Bartholomew, a fast bowling all rounder played 57 First Class matches scoring 1,598 runs at an average of 23.85 and a best score of 95 not out. He also took 141 wickets at an average of 25.56. His First Class career spanned 1968 to 1979.
