Dear Editor: ‘An outstanding sportsman and iconic Arimian’; Tribute to the late Brian Bain

“[…] It is believed that [Brian Bain] got his goalkeeping skills from his elder brother, Brendan, who also had a stint in the same capacity at QRC.

“The brothers held the spotlight when they faced each other in the AFL competitions on opposing teams—Brian for Ramsbottom and Brendan with Fulham…”

The following letter to the editor on the passing of former Arimian football star and administrator Brian Bain was submitted by former Arima Mayor Ashton Ford:

Photo: Former North East Stars administrator Brian Bain passed away on Sunday 25 July.

The sporting fraternity in Arima went into shock when it was revealed that outstanding sportsman Brian Bain died at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex on Sunday 25 July—seven days after his 72nd birthday.


Brian hailed from a prominent family and lived on Pro Queen Street, which was well known for producing outstanding sportsmen who represented Arima at various sporting disciplines and national teams.

He was known as outstanding footballer and brilliant goalkeeper and represented Queen’s Royal College (QRC), Queen’s Park and Essex. He also formed part of the national team.

Brian was flashy on the field and a joy to watch as a custodian, having displayed great skills and athleticism between the uprights.

Following his stint in Port of Spain, Brian wore the Ramsbottom jersey in the Arima Football League (AFL) for many years and earned several accolades due to his outstanding performances.

Photo: The late Brian Bain in his youthful pomp.

It is believed that he got his goalkeeping skills from his elder brother, Brendan, who also had a stint in the same capacity at QRC.

The brothers held the spotlight when they faced each other in the AFL competitions on opposing teams—Brian for Ramsbottom and Brendan with Fulham.

Their father CZ Bain would often be present when the games were played but it was known that he did not allow any rivalry at home. The father was also well known in the sporting arena at national level having officiated at Test and regional cricket games. Sports was part of the ‘Bain DNA’. 

Arima was a mecca for sports. The Bain brothers lived among their neighbours brothers Sheldon and Larry Gomes, track and field stars Ainsley Armstrong and Anthony Husbands, lawn tennis champions Collin Auguste and his brother and Michael Paul. Football was represented by Christopher Cummings. 


It was the golden age for sports in Arima; camaraderie and competition. No doubt it was during that period that Brian honed his passion for fair play. 

Photo: Sheldon Gomes (right) and his younger brother Larry Gomes.
Both brothers, who hailed from Arima, represented Trinidad and Tobago at cricket while Larry was also a household name for the West Indies team.
(via Loop TT)

Current West Indies cricket coach Phil Simmons also hails from the area known as ‘The Neighbourhood’ along with sports administrator the late Eustace Draper and his son Gordon, who was a government minister.

Speaking for the sporting community, close friend Wayne Ruiz said it is really a very sad time having lost outstanding sportsmen like Prince Bartholomew, Sheldon Gomes, Cliff Bertrand and now Brian.

Apart from his stint as a professional footballer, Brian was a banker and insurance agent and he also served as an administrator for the Arima United and Memphis football teams.

It is difficult to encapsulate the measure of such a man as Brian Bain but prominent Arimians such as Neil Giuseppi captured his personality: “He was the centrepiece of any lime among the boys, and he was loved by all. To use a worn cliche, while he walked with kings, he never lost the common touch.”

Former Mayor, current MP for D’Abadie O’Meara Lisa Morris-Julian articulated our grief: “Arima is in deep mourning for the loss of our Gens De Arime. Brian Bain was a general and gentleman. A friend to all, enemy to none…” 

Photo: Brian Bain (far left) lends his expertise to the Pinto United youth team.
(via Pinto United)

Valerie Laurent-Thomas also wished him well: “Blessed travels my darling Brian…there will be rejoicing at your arrival.

His brother, Dr Brendan Bain, will be coming home from Jamaica to face his brother on the opposing side for the last time.  

Condolences are extended to his devoted wife Carol, his beloved sister and the rest of his family.

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One comment

  1. I have a very clear memory of Christian (that was his QRC nickname) from a Shirvan Pragg match of many, many years ago.

    Christian was keeping wicket and I was at slip. The batsman essayed a cut at a delivery, got a thick edge and the ball flew past me in the air. It was at catchable height and I was still at catchable weight in those days. But my reflexes had had an argument with my age and my reflexes had lost.

    I never moved.

    Embarrassed, I tried to apologise indirectly for missing the chance by saying to Brian that I might have been able to get to the catch “if I had dived.”

    “Yes, Darcus,” he responded instantly, “I think you should have diven.”

    And we laughed so hard and so long that the bowler had to delay the start of his run-up for the next ball.

    They don’t make them like that anymore.

    Sincere condolences, Brent.

    RIP, Christian.

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