The Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday held their 5th annual Awards and Presentation ceremony at State House in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
The impressive ceremony saw over 25 awards presented to outstanding cricketers, administrators and donors who performed exceptionally well during the year to help keep Berbice cricket on the heights it has reached to make the county proud.
The feature address was delivered by Attorney General and Minister of legal Affairs Anil Nandalall, who stood in for President Donald Ramoutar, who was unavoidable absent.
Mr Nandalall in his speech apologized for the absence of the president who was out of the country. He stated that he felt very honoured and privileged to be a part of the auspicious occasion as the featured speaker. Mr Nandalall congratulated the Berbice Cricket Board for the excellent work they have been doing over the years. He stated that the BCB is an example of what organisations should be like and how they should conduct their affairs. He urged other organisations to take a page out of the BCB’s book.
The Attorney General gave a background of the current cricket impasse that has engulfed Guyana and West Indies cricket. He stated that cricket is going through challenging times not only in Guyana but worldwide. He made reference to the ICC and the recently released Lord Wolf report. Mr Nandalall spoke about the Guyana situation and the declining state of cricket in the West Indies. He stated that Cricket was a major discussion at the recently concluded Caricom summit in Suriname where the Guyana situation was a major talking point and the disrespectful behavior and attitude of the West Indies Cricket Board.
He mentioned that cricket is such an integral part of the Caribbean that a Prime Ministerial committee on cricket has been mandated to look into the situation and submit a report as early as possible. The Attorney General made mention of the PJ Patterson report which was commissioned since 2005 and which spoke extensively about the restructuring of West Indies cricket. But after seven years nothing has been done Nandalall said.
Nandalall was critical of the West Indies Cricket Board and their non-performance and the handling of the Guyana situation. He highlighted some of the atrocities committed by the former members of the GCB, who he said conducted fraudulent elections, was involved in fraud, alleged back tracking and used two different constitutions. Nandalall added that of late the GCB transferred the cricket board’s assets to themselves among other sins. During all this time the West Indies Board was notified of the Guyana situation and did nothing because of self interest the Attorney General said.
Nandalall mentioned the court matter in which the GCB was taken to court by the BCB. He stated that in such a situation, the Government after being asked by the Judiciary could not have sat idly by and allowed Guyana’s cricket, which is an Institution and an integral part and parcel of Guyanese life to be destroyed by a band of people who has no interest in the progress of cricket. He mentioned the establishment of the IMC led by cricket icon Clive Lloyd, which was established to rectify the cricket situation in Guyana. Nandalall stated his disappointment with the Opposition Parties in not supporting the Government with the IMC and called on them to get on board, because it is a national issue.
The Attorney General was high in praise for the BCB for being resolute and steadfast in these turbulent times of Guyana’s cricket and for the support it has given to the IMC so far. He congratulated the BCB, the cricketers and administrators for the excellent work that they have done over the years to be the best cricket board in Guyana. He applauded the awardees for a job well done and wished them well.
Regional Chairman Permaul David Armogan in his remarks also congratulated the Berbice Cricket Board for the sterling work it is doing. He like other speakers stated that the BCB is an example of what organisations should be like and how they should conduct their affairs.
He stated that Cricket is more than just a game for people in Berbice, Guyana and the Caribbean. “It is part of our culture, our pride and our tradition,” he stated, adding that cricket brings us together and transcends race and religion. The regional chairman stated that if Berbice, Guyana or the West Indies are playing we will identify ourselves as Berbicians, Guyanese or West Indians. He stated that, “It is rather Paradoxical that a game that gives us so much pleasure, fun and joy could also cause so much rancor, hatred and animosity.”
He congratulated the BCB in their stand taken in the turbulent times in Guyana’s Cricket history. The Regional Chairman pledged the Regional administration full and whole hearted support to the BCB. He stated that the Administration will continue to assist in the enhancement and maintaining of not only cricket, but sports facilities as well as providing new ones. He gave a special pledge to assist with the maintenance of school grounds.
Mr Armogan urged the BCB to continue their good work and not get complacent and carried away. He stated that he is confident that the BCB will continue to administer the game for the best interest of all and help it to return to the glory days of the past.
Also giving remarks during the ceremony were the Regional Chairman of Regional Five Mr. Bisnauth, Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam Mr. Harold Debideen, PPP/Civic Member of Parliament, Mr. Faizal Jaffarally, former West Indies batsman Basil Butcher and BCB president Keith Foster. Also in attendance were New Amsterdam Mayor Claude Henry and other dignitaries. GCB’s Public Relations Officer and Chairmen of the special events committee Hilbert Foster gave a comprehensive overview of the board’s activities throughout the year and the plans for 2012.
West Indies cricketer and Guyana’s senior male Sportsman of the year 2011Devendra Bishoo of the Albion Community Centre, who was also adjudged the ICC emerging player of the year, was named the Berbice male cricketer of the year. Bishoo also copped the Senior Regional Cricketer of the Year award. West Indies female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club was adjudged Berbice’s female cricketer of the year.
The Award for Under-15 Cricketer of the Year went to Arif Chan; U-17 Cricketer of the Year Shailendra Shameer and U-19 Cricketer of the Year Clinton Pestano. The second Division Player of the year, which is a new award, was presented to Jagdeo Persaud of the Cotton Tree Cricket club.
West Indies player Narsingh Deonarine copped the First Division Player of the Year award while Assad Fudadin was named as the Senior Inter-County Player of the Year. Kevin Ramdeen was adjudged the most Improved Cricketer with Kandasammy Surujnarine being the most promising player. The most Disciplined Male Cricketer of the Year award was presented to Parmanand Ramdhan, while the Most Disciplined Female Cricketer of the year was Phaffiana Millington. The Inter-County Coach of the Year was Adrian Amsterdam while the Domestic Coach of the Year accolade went to Winston Smith. The Umpire of the Year was Imran Moakan. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club once again copped the Club of the Year award.
Special awards were also presented to Veerasammy Permaul, Jonathan Foo and Assad Fudadin who were awarded for being selected on the West Indies A team during the year, while Campbell, Tremayne Smartt and Subrina Munroe were also honoured for being selected on the West Indies Female cricket team. Brandon Bess was also be given a special prize for making his Test debut last year.
Vickram Seebarran of universal DVD Club also received a special award in recognition of his contribution to Berbice Cricket, while a number of other organisations including Republic Bank, Poonai’s Pharmacy, NCN and Spready’s Bakery were also recognized.
The Berbice Cricket Board is one of the leading sports organizations in Guyana and has organised close to 25 cricket competitions and close to 100 off field activities. (Samuel Whyte)