Eleven past and present Berbice Test cricketers, along with cricketing administrators past and present, have been honoured by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).
A ceremony which took place on Sunday and took the form of a dinner was held as part of the BCB’s 75th anniversary celebrations. The “Diamond Jubilee†event saw some of the past legends of Test cricket honoured.
Speaking at the event, President Donald Ramotar noted that cricket is part of the nation’s life and congratulated the BCB on its achievement. “Cricket has inspired writers and musicians, cricketers have grown to be more than just cricketers but also role models,†he said.
In explaining his Administration’s approach to the game, the President said the lights which which were recently installed at the Albion Sports Complex are a testimony to the interest that Government has in the development of the sport.
“Cricket is changing and we all have to adapt to those changes. That is why we provided the lights at Albion so that Berbice can continue to produce top cricketers, as well as cricketers for the new format of the game, which is here to stay,†stated Ramotar.
President Donald Ramotar presents former Test player Basil Butcher with a plaque
President Donald Ramotar presents former Test player Basil Butcher with a plaque
The President noted that, in 2014, 73 community grounds in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will be upgraded. Also attending the ceremony was Culture Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy.
Those honoured were Rohan Kanhai, George Trim, Azad Fudadin, Veerasammy Permaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo,
Narsingh Deonarine, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Alvin Kallicharran, Joe Solomon and Basil Butcher.
Public Relations Officer of the BCB Hilbert Foster noted that the first major achievement of the Board took place in 1948 when John Trim became the first Berbician to play Test cricket for the West Indies. To date, 16 males and one female have followed in his footsteps.
Speaking of some of the achievements of the BCB over the past 75 years, Foster said these include hosting the Pakistan International Airlines team in 1973 and 1975, and a three oversees tours by Berbice teams in 1974, 1978 and 1984.
“The BCB also hosted the MCC team in 1974 and created history when in 1977 it hosted the first ODI match in the Caribbean, West Indies versus Pakistan at the historic Albion Cricket ground,†he said.
Cricket administrator Carl Moore (right) honoured for his contribution to cricket development
Cricket administrator Carl Moore (right) honoured for his contribution to cricket development
Over the last six years, the BCB has undergone a remarkable transformation which some have described as a revolution, Foster noted.
The Board in 2009 formed a Special Events Committee which has been able to raise in excess of $20 million since that time. This has allowed the game to continue at the club level, although the BCB has not received any sponsorship from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for the past four years.
Other activities planned by the BCB as part of the celebrations include renaming on the BCB office in New Amsterdam in honour of the late Leslie Amsterdam, erecting of a Hall of Fame for administrators, distribution of school bags, unveiling of Kanhai’s portrait, a musical evening, a televised panel discussion, handing out food hampers, an essay competition, renaming of pavilions, and a quiz competition.
