Ansa Mcal’s Regional Manager Mark Bhikhai (2nd right) shakes hands with BCB President Keith Foster as he officially hands over the Billboard in the background in the presence of other officials.
The Seventeen cricketers from the Ancient County of Berbice who represented the West Indies at the Test level, between 1948 to 2012 were honoured on Wednesday when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Ansa Mcal under its Carib Beer brand unveiled a 16 x 8 Billboard which portrays the photographs and names of the players.
The billboard stands near the historic Port Mourant Cricket Ground which has produced seven of the seventeen players.
BCB Special Events Committee Chairman, Hilbert Foster who spearheaded the Billboard Project said that it was another historic moment in Berbice cricket as members of the public would now be better informed of their heroes.
The main aim of the billboard, the veteran cricket administrator informed was to honour the achievements of Berbicians who played at the highest level. BCB President, Keith Foster expressed gratitude to Ansa Mcal and its Managing Director Ms. Beverley Harper for the investment in Berbice cricket while expressing the hope that younger players would draw inspiration for greater success from the seventeen heroes.
President of the Port Mourant Cricket Club Godfrey Persaud and Secretary of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Vemen Walter both complimented the project noting it was a brilliant initiative.
Walter, whose club has five Test players, expressed confidence that the Billboard would encourage junior players to emulate players the likes of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher.
Persaud stated that his club was delighted that the Billboard was erected in Port Mourant while he also stated that he was sure that the 17 heroes would appreciate the gesture of the BCB and Ansa Mcal to honour them.
Public Relations Officer of Ansa Mcal Ms. Darshanie Yusuf disclosed that the Billboard was undertaken by her Company as one of its 20th Anniversary celebration Projects. Ansa Mcal, she stated was pleased to be associated with the BCB in honouring the Test players who she described as true role models to the younger generation.
Berbice Regional Manager Mark Bhikhai in brief remarks praised the outstanding work of the Board in its continuing efforts to develop the game in the Ancient County while stating that his company was totally dedicated to playing a role in that development.
The seventeen Berbice players who played Test Cricket for the West Indies are John Trim – Port Mourant, Rohan Kanhai – Port Mourant, Basil Butcher – Port Mourant, Ivan Madray – Port Mourant, Roy Fredericks – Blairmont, Joe Solomon – Port Mourant, Alvin Kallicharran – Port Mourant, Leonard Baichan – Rose Hall Canje, Sewdat Shivnarine – Albion, Clayton Lambert – Bermine, Mahendra Nagamootoo – Port Mourant, Sewnarine Chattergoon – Albion, Brendon Bess – Blairmont, Narsingh Deonarine – Albion, Devendra Bishoo – Albion, Assad Fudadin – Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and Veerasammy Permaul – Albion.
BY KAIETEUR NEWS