The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association has expressed its condolences to the family of the late Robert Smith, a former player who was killed in his home on Lobster Avenue off Blue Hill Road last Thursday.

While BLTA president Darnette Weir said his passing has hit hard within their sport fraternity, Davis Cup captain Marvin Rolle said there’s so much he can say about his former friend off the court and rival on the court.

“He was a hard worker, a go getter. There was never nothing he felt he couldn’t do in his eyes,” said Rolle, who is currently in Costa Rica leading the Bahamas’ team of Baker Newman, Philip Major Jr and Jody Turnquest in action this week in the first round of the Davis Cup tie.

“He always had the talent to do anything and he always had your back. If you needed help with anything, any hour of the day, any hour of the night, he was there. He might have been late, but he was there.”

Rolle said a lot of people may have known him from playing tennis, but he admitted that Smith was very versatile.

“He was talented in tennis, very talented in cycling, very talented in track and field. It’s sad to see him go, but he will never be forgotten. Robert Smith. I know a lot of people are saddened by his tragic death, but he didn’t deserve that. Robert. He was special to a lot of people. He will be missed. Rest in peace.”

Smith, 31, was shot at his home on Lobster Street. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Weir said Thursday was a sad day for the BLTA.

“I extend our deepest condolences on the death of Robert. We are deeply saddened by his death,” Weir said. “Robert played as a junior for many years and for the past several years, he participated in the Giorgio Baldacci for the past three years. He has made his contribution as a player, even in the Gym Tennis Club Tournament.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the Smith family on his passing.”

Smith is the son of Robert ‘Bob’ Smith, a well-known basketball referee.