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The following is a press statement by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development:
The Ministry of Sport and Community Development (MSCD) is saddened by the passing of two of Trinidad and Tobago’s highly regarded athletes: beloved long-distance runner, Lynette ‘Granny’ Luces, and former national football player Larry Joseph.
Affectionately called ‘Granny Luces’, Lynette Luces was a popular fixture at local and international marathon events. She shattered the age barrier for runners, having started her marathon journey in the 1980s.
(via Trinidad Newsday)
She has been an icon in sport and a beacon of inspiration for athletes, especially female athletes and ordinary citizens seeking new heights. Her age never defined her ability to conquer the miles she ran, always crossing the finish line victorious.
Her resilience and legacy were recognised by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1993, when she was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal.
Footballer Larry Joseph was also a memorable figure. He was a member of the famous 1989 Strike Squad and played for Trinidad and Tobago’s 1990 Shell Caribbean Cup team as well as in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Joseph had a total of 30 caps for T&T and, upon retiring, he maintained an active presence in the football arena—appearing in exhibition matches and serving on the panel of the ‘Field of Dreams’ talk show.
According to the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe: “Today the entire sporting fraternity is plunged into mourning. Both ‘Granny’ Luces and Larry Joseph have carved indelible marks in their respective disciplines, which will be hard to replicate.
“They were true sporting warriors, and the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago are indeed grateful for their messages of hope, resilience, persistence and patriotism. May they rest in peace.”
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