May 5, 2021, 3:14 p.m.
On 24 April 2021, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean learned of the sad news of the passing of David Roper, Director of Industry Relations at Sandals Resorts International.
A longstanding member of the Sandals Resorts family, David Roper played an integral role in building enduring relationships with travel industry partners within and outside the Caribbean. With over 30 years of experience, working closely with Sandals Founder and Chairman, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart OJ, CD, David brought an unforgettable energy and warmth to all his relationships and interactions.
David’s passion for his beloved region and our cricket teams helped to develop a long-standing relationship whereby Sandals became more than just a sponsor of cricket and the West Indies teams. David, working with his Sandals colleagues, was a true partner of West Indies cricket for over three decades.
David was an innovator, seeking to add Sandals’ magical touches to cricket experiences, especially for visiting fans from overseas, leading, for example with the introduction of the famous swimming pools at the grounds within the Caribbean for England tours. With David’s warm touch and generous attitude, Sandals’ hospitality extended onto the pitch to the current players, and to honouring West Indies “Legends”, as well as ensuring guests and fans were always given a true West Indian welcome.
David was instrumental in leading the Sandals principal partnership of the West Indies teams for the first time in 2018, a project that re-united two of the Caribbean’s most-recognizable brands, to grow the game and promote the region.
CWI’s CEO, Johnny Grave, paid the following tribute:
“David has been at the heart of our longstanding relationship with Sandals, especially our recent principal partnership. His knowledge, humour and love of cricket will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. It was a real privilege to have worked with David, he was an outstanding person and a true supporter and friend of West Indies cricket.”
He will be greatly missed for his extensive experience, vision, innovative thinking and relationship-building, and especially for his wonderful human touch, humility, and the ability to bring together people from any background.
The players, staff and Directors of CWI send our deepest condolences to his family and his many Sandals colleagues.
-CWI