Fifteen outstanding cricket officials drawn from clubs across Berbice were honoured last weekend by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for their contribution to cricket in the Ancient County in 2009.
The awardees were honoured during a cocktail reception at the Board’s office as part of the BCB’s 70th anniversary celebration. The awardees selected by their own clubs were Ravindra Kissoonlall, Hubern Evans, Mohamed Sattaur, Narine Deonarine, Aubrey Collins, Rodwell Henry, R. Gangaram, Dillon Yearwood and Hardat Arjune.
Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee Hilbert Foster hailed the fifteen awardees as the unsung heroes of Berbice cricket. He said that they have worked beyond the call of duty to assist.
“They were the foundation of Berbice cricket because if they had failed to perform then the game would die a natural death but active and progressive clubs are what make Berbice cricket successful,” Foster observed.
He challenged them to continue their work, while calling on all cricketers, especially the senior nationals, to show more appreciation to all cricket workers who perform duties such as preparing pitches, meals, conducting practice sessions, serving as coaches and managers and most of all as volunteers.
Treasurer of the BCB and member of the Special Events Committee Anil Beharry stated that he was pleased to be associated with a programme that honours the true patriots of Berbice cricket because their contributions showed their love for the game. He said for too long their contributions were ignored.
President of the BCB Keith Foster challenged the awardees to work harder for the clubs as the aim is to make Berbice the best county in the Guyana. He said that Berbice need all of its clubs to be strong, visionary and progressive. He expressed confidence that the awardees would continue the work for which they were honoured.
He also called on them to be role models to the young cricketers as it was important to teach them the virtues of discipline, commitment and hard work at a young age.
Kissoonlall speaking on behalf of the awardees thanked the BCB for honouring them, stating that it was a special feeling to be recognised for voluntary service as a result of the love for the game.
He also pledged on behalf of his fellow cricket workers to continue the high standards they have set themselves and to work even harder to assist the board to lift the standard of the game in the Ancient County.
He also congratulated the board for the massive developments taking place in the county’s cricket on and off the field.
Each of the awardees received a ‘Tribute to Cricket Workers’ certificate, a Ricks and Sari hamper and two special gifts from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC). The BCB would like to express gratitude to Ricks and Sari Ltd, Metro Office Supplies and the RHTYSC for their sponsorship of the programme.
