Fifty-year-old, Michael Ramdeen, of Reliance Settlement, Canje was on Sunday last honoured as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Father of the Year 2012. The father of three was selected by the Special Events Committee of the BCB based on the key role he has played in the lives of his children especially his two sons Richard and Kevin who are both Berbice players.
Richard has represented Berbice and Guyana at the Under-15, 19 and senior levels and also represented the West Indies at the Under-19 level. Kevin has so far represented Berbice and Guyana at the Under-15 level and also played for Berbice at the Under-17 level.
Board Treasurer Anil Beharry in making the presentation of gifts to Mr. Ramdeen, congratulated him on being a positive role model, parent to the two cricketers and his daughter, Melissa. Beharry noted that the BCB is proud to honour parents who instill the importance of discipline, hard work and respect for others into the lives of their children while highlighting that Ramdeen is one of those parents.
He urged the BCB Father-of-the-Year to share his parenting skills with the younger generation as the Board was determined that all future Berbice players must be disciplined, rounded individuals the likes of Kevin and Richard Ramdeen.
An elated Ramdeen, in accepting the award, stated that he was a very proud parent as all three of his children have followed the correct path. Ramdeen expressed the hope that the Guyana Cricket Board situation can correct itself, thus enabling all young cricketers including his two sons to fulfill their true potential.
He congratulated the BCB on its sterling work and for lifting the game of cricket to an all time high. He also pledged his continued support for Berbice cricket noting that the key to his success as a parent were Patience, Faith in God and a willingness to sit and listen to his children.