‘Change stadium name’

Veteran cricket commentator Joseph “Reds Perreira” is appealing to the Government of Guyana to consider an adjustment to the name of Guyana’s first ever national stadium.

Perreira, who has been voted male Sports Personality for the year 2006, says the name should be changed from the National Stadium at Providence to Providence National Stadium.

Speaking with Stabroek Sports during the KFC Cup match against Barbados at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda last week, Perreira said:” I have been involved in cricket since I was eight-years-old, and I have been fortunate to visit and work at venues in all the Test cricket playing countries except Bangladesh.”

“In countries like India, England, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand I have been to several different grounds. The name of the venue is vital, it must roll off the broadcaster’s tongue, like Sabina Park, Sydney Cricket ground or Kensington Oval, all of these names have that quality of rolling off the broadcasters’ tongue easily adding to the sporting lore of the country,” the Essequibo-born broadcaster said.

“Providence is also a community with a history dating back to the colonial era, this background is part of the stadium’s history and will enhance its image worldwide,” he added.

“The Government of Guyana made the new facility a reality through their excellent relationship [with] India, and all Guyanese not only cricket fans should be thankful that we have a new stadium.

“I certainly hope the authorities will consider the possibility of this slight adjustment to the name to the Providence National Stadium,” he added.