Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Gayle-force cheer for 11-y-o
Romall Lawrence (seated foreground) accepts a West Indiescricket jersey from batsman Chris Gayle at the Coco Jamentertainment centre in Barbican yesterday. In the backgroundis Romall’s cousin Shareef Smith. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)
Sports
Sanjay Myers | Sports Writer  
July 9, 2011

Gayle-force cheer for 11-y-o

ROMALL Lawrence, an 11-year-old boy who suffers from cerebral palsy, was treated to an early birthday celebration by sidelined West Indies batsman Chris Gayle at the Coco Jam family entertainment centre in Barbican yesterday.

Though Romall and his twin brother Romell, who does not suffer from the condition, become 12 on July 20, Gayle explained that the party celebrations were brought forward due to scheduling logistics and added that being in the company of the aspiring cricket analyst has been a heartening experience.

“It is a big occasion for Romall and it’s good that he has his family and friends here. I had to bring forward the celebration date because of an expected clash in my schedule. This is my gift to him and I’m happy that I could be here to share it with him. It is so much fun to be around him.

“He has given me some great advice — about moving my feet more when batting and not try to chase hitting boundaries — and I’m sure I’ll put it into practice at some stage. It is good advice and even more special coming from someone who is disabled.

“It’s a thrill to hear this kid talk. I hope that things improve for him and I’m willing to help wherever I can,” said Gayle, who was supported at the party by West Indies Players Association (WIPA) vice-president Wavell Hinds and director Michael Hall.

Romall, an avid cricket lover, came to local prominence following the airing of a recent television programme that highlighted his condition and revealed his understanding of matters relating to the sport.

Added Gayle: “It’s fulfilling for me to have a major impact on someone’s life. I didn’t grow up in wealth, so I know what the struggle is like and once I can contribute to helping a particular person, that is special for me. I’ve also been harbouring thoughts of starting a Foundation, but I’ve been really busy. I hope I can launch one in the future.”

The youngsters’ mother, Sandra Ewart, expressed gratitude for the support she has received from Gayle and others, including WIPA.

“This is excellent and I’m happy for the help from Chris Gayle, the Players Association and all the other people. Sometimes I really don’t have any money and it’s hard to care for a disabled child.

“I’m a single parent and at times I can’t afford his special needs. It’s a lot better now that I have the assistance for Romall and I hope I can get even more help,” she said.

Ewart told the Sunday Observer that Romell was drawn to cricket from he was a toddler, despite no apparent influence from relatives and added that because of the challenge of providing him with normal schooling, she has had to teach him.

“From he was a baby he has been watching cricket and I don’t know why. Once cricket was on the TV he would just watch it. I’ve been his teacher because due to his situation he couldn’t go to school. I’m very proud, though, because people have said he is so bright,” she said, while adding that his brother recently passed the GSAT exam and is set to attend Old Harbour High.

Romall Lawrence (seated centre), along with twin brother Romell (left) and West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, cuts his birthday cake at the CocoJam entertainment centre in Barbican yesterday. At right is Romall’s cousin Shazepha Blair.

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Champagnie appeals for leniency in Silvera’s sentencing
Latest News, News
Champagnie appeals for leniency in Silvera’s sentencing
BY JASON CROSS Observer staff reporter crossj@jamaicaobserver.com 
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Defence attorney Peter Champagnie on Friday sought leniency for his client Jolyan Silvera during the former Member of Parliament’s...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "breaking-news":"Push Notifications"}
JPS brings vital services to Beeston Spring residents through Community Connect Fair
Latest News, News
JPS brings vital services to Beeston Spring residents through Community Connect Fair
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the restoration of electricity continues in communities in western parishes heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica Publ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Westmoreland burn victim succumbs to injuries
Latest News, News
Westmoreland burn victim succumbs to injuries
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Observer Online  understands that Dacia Forrester, the woman who was set ablaze during a confrontation at a gas station in Whitho...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "breaking-news":"Push Notifications"}
Townsend Law Firm secures major win for Vybz Kartel in NY Supreme Court
Latest News, News
Townsend Law Firm secures major win for Vybz Kartel in NY Supreme Court
BY KEDIESHA PERRY Observer writer 
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Townsend Law Firm, based in New York and headed by Kadian Townsend, Esq, secured a major win on Tuesday, March 3 for Vybz Kart...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
JUTC bus catches fire on Lady Musgrave
Latest News, News
JUTC bus catches fire on Lady Musgrave
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus caught fire along Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston at about 6:20 am on Friday. Observer O...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
‘Go home and play with your grandchildren’, Dawes tells McKenzie during Standing Finance Committee
Latest News, News
‘Go home and play with your grandchildren’, Dawes tells McKenzie during Standing Finance Committee
BY JEROME WILLIAMS Observer staff reporter williamsj@jamaicaobserver.com 
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the Standing Finance Committee continued its late-night examination of the Estimates of Expenditure ahead of next week’s Budget...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
NWU wins bargaining rights at Kingston Wharves
Latest News, News
NWU wins bargaining rights at Kingston Wharves
March 6, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Workers’ Union (NWU) says it has recently gained bargaining rights at Kingston Wharves for certain categories of work...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Two men fatally shot by police in Manchester Highway chase
Latest News, News
Two men fatally shot by police in Manchester Highway chase
March 6, 2026
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Police are reporting that two men were fatally shot and a firearm seized during an alleged shootout and high speed chase on the ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct