WHYTE, URIEL GEORGE
Played a big role in the development of the sport in Toronto

Born in Darliston, Westmoreland, Jamaica, W.I. in 1940, like most young boys, George Whyte played cricket on the streets and any level area with improvised equipment such as coconut bats and orange balls, etc. He was formally introduced to the game of cricket at the Petersfield Elementary School, where instead of enrolling in an agricultural program, he chose cricket instead. Whyte moved on to Cokesview School, where he very quickly developed into one of the top fast bowlers on the team, playing on the inter-parish school division.
Upon joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force, he continued to further his cricket interest and played for the force stationed at Duppy Gate, Up Park Camp in Kingston from 1960-1964. In late 1964 he moved to Canada and within days of his arrival was approached by cricket enthusiast Roy Francis and the Commonwealth Cricket Club of Toronto became a reality. Mr. Francis was the president and Mr. Whyte, vice-president. The team then registered in the Toronto and District League and in a short time became a force in the league with Whyte as their opening bowler.
Commonwealth became a very successful organization and Whyte in his quest for more challenges, directed a substantial club and league finances into the purchase of a farm located to the north of the city of Toronto, which over the last 35 years has become the largest cricket facility in North America. The facility now has five full-sized cricket fields and has become the venue for international teams’ competitions in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Known as King City, it is a city for the sport of cricket.
In 1971, Whyte became the president of the Toronto Community Cricket Club, which under his leadership is dedicated to the education of young people and novices in the game of cricket at home and abroad. This has taken him to several countries including an annual visit to the city of New Britain, Connecticut. He was awarded the Key to the City of New Britain by the mayor in 1973.
As president and captain, he has arranged and led successful tours to Jamaica (twice), Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, Nassau, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, in addition to several North American cities. Whyte was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Bell by Mayor H. Tate of that city. He is also an inductee in the Ontario Historical Society Steven Leacock Memorial Museum in the city of Orillia, Ontario, Canada.