The Pomeroon man – 50 years on the air

Joseph “Reds” Perreira

I have been heard in recent times beating the drum for Caribbean people to take more notice of the achievers among us, but it is not a recent obsession. It was actually something very much in my mind when I started the Tradewinds band in Toronto in 1966, and as this is being written, the word is out that one such achiever will be honoured shortly in Jamaica as the legendary cricket broadcaster, Joseph “Reds” Perreira, will be honoured by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in a tea-time ceremony at Sabina Park during the 2nd Test of the upcoming WI/India series. In the words of West Indies Cricket Board leader Ricky Skerritt, “We would like to congratulate ‘Reds’ for his outstanding commentary… over the last 60 years. He has been an exemplary broadcaster on both regional and international levels for many years and is deserving of this recognition as one of the most notable voices of West Indies cricket.” And former Trinidad batsman Alvin Corneal, himself a commentator, wrote his congrats to Reds, saying, “I applaud the West Indies Cricket Board for presenting this award to you, especially in the midst of a cricket tour. My friend, you have left a legacy to the journalists, present, and future, with your absolute expression of descriptions of the great game and bringing many radio listeners to a picture which reflects positively to your voice. Congratulations to you and my sincere hope that you continue your contribution to our Caribbean society. I am proud of you. ”