Dear Editor,
My attention was drawn to Munesh Dutt’s October 13, 2022 letter, “Unhappy with cricket commentary,” and after a careful perusal, I thought it wise to respond in an honest and humble manner, as it has a paragraph that pays tribute to me. The writer, I know not whom, mentions ‘his boggled mind’ over ‘no Naim Chan’ in live cricket coverage in Guyana, since according to him, “Naim Chan is Guyana’s premier radio cricket commentator, and he may even be so at the regional level.” He points to “His (Naim’s) years of experience, pleasant radio voice, simplicity and correctness of language use and descriptive ability of live play, all (combining) to make him a natural choice whenever the job has to be done.” Dutt elaborated, stating that “Naim is ‘true to the action’ on field and he paints a picture for his listeners. He does not commentate as though he is obligated to ‘stir excitement’ when there is none, and there is no ‘urgency to ‘fill’ blank air,’ and thus run into verbosity … (and it is) … These traits, among others, (that) are vital in cricket commentary.”
I thank Mr. Dutt for his entire letter, and yes, I feel okay that he thinks that I am a commentator ‘good enough’ to make the local and regional panels. However, my gratitude goes beyond personal well-being, as I think it is necessary that ‘live cricket commentary’ be addressed, as well as overall broadcasting in Guyana. What I like about the letter is that it is ‘evidenced-based’ and ‘rooted in authority’ in the areas of ‘cricket commentary’ and ‘use of language’ as the two are inseparable, with the latter being instructive to broadcasters as a whole. Editor, I pay deserved homage to those who have contributed and are still contributing to my ongoing development as a career broadcaster within the spectrum of journalism.
I honed my skills at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (National Communications Network Inc.), when all of my mentors demanded professionalism, quality and sacrifice. It was hard work, and it paid off, as I was able to achieve my life-long ambition of becoming an international cricket commentator, working and learning from the very ‘best in the business.’ I inform readers that I have never campaigned for myself in terms of ‘promotional interviews,’ nor ‘pre-arranged egotistic documentaries.’ If my voice is pleasant, it is God’s gift to me. If I am a ‘clear and pleasant’ presenter, with ‘good use of language,’ accolades go to my mentors. I must add that I have always sought to improve by availing myself to learn from valuable resource persons, who can verify what I am saying. Now let me be very clear and honest where live cricket broadcasting is concerned.
First, I am available to do commentary, and I desire to be involved, since this is my greatest joy. It goes far beyond popularity and monetary reward for me. I have worked alongside regional and international commentators, doing One Day Internationals and Test cricket, and my joy and growth were increased, being alongside the Tony Coziers of the world. If and when called, I will avail myself, and hope that a professional and dignified ambience will prevail in the ‘Terms of Reference.’ Finally, I allude once again to the missive by Munesh Dutt. He is hoping “… for some level of change.” I am also with him on this. I hope that the relevant authorities will put measures in place, where Guyana can develop a core panel of cricket commentators, who can be nurtured professionally, at every level and aspect, to do a good job. Here again, I am most willing to contribute if given the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Naim Chan
