GCB salutes an Icon in Terry Holder

THE GUYANA Cricket Board (GCB) and to an extent the cricket fraternity in Guyana was plunged into a state of mourning last Wednesday afternoon, following the death of 73-year-old Terrence Holder, a former Public Relations Officer of the GCB and Deputy General Manager of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

Holder played his final innings on that day, succumbing to cancer after a prolonged stay at the wicket, during which he stubbornly resisted the urge to call it quits or even retire hurt and certainly, the GCB has lost an iconic figure, who gave yeoman service to the gentleman’s game, until his time of death.
Honorary Secretary of the GCB and Director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Anand Sanasie, tried hard to hide the sombre feelings he was experiencing when contacted by Chronicle Sport to confirm Holder’s passing.
However, he (Sanasie) said, “Even though we were all aware that Terry was ill for some time now, his passing still came as a shock as I spoke with him not so long ago. His contribution as a cricket Administrator can be compared to very few, while his integrity, intellect and quest for fairness would be missed.
Personally, I would miss his subtle suggestions even after he departed from us at the GCB (due to his illness) and words of reason that we will forever remember. I, on behalf of myself and the cricket fraternity express deepest condolences to Terry’s immediate family, relatives and friends.”
Meanwhile, the GCB has sent out a condolence message on Holder’s passing which reads, “The GCB mourns the loss of one of the greatest sons of our soil and who should be deemed a national hero for his priceless work in service to the public at large and several organisations throughout Guyana and the Caribbean region.
The Guyana cricket fraternity hails this champion in his own right, Terry Holder, silently left us all in bereavement at his sudden but somewhat expected departure. Terry was first and foremost a broadcaster, having served at both the national and regional levels in this noble profession through which he had become a household name. Terry was also an active Rotarian.
Terry served the Guyana Cricket Board diligently for almost three decades as its Public Relations Officer and will be remembered as having officiated at all of the previous Awards ceremonies and numerous presentation ceremonies in the tireless execution of his duties. His voice still resonates in the Umana Yana where most of these ceremonies were held and will long be revered for the strength and lucidity of his vocals.
The GCB is extremely pleased that they were able to bestow upon him a special award just last month at its 2013 Annual Awards Ceremony held at the GCC Members pavilion in recognition for his long, outstanding and dedicated service towards the development of cricket in Guyana.
We will forever miss his wise counsel and very sober judgments expunged during the many challenges experienced by the GCB over the past years, as he had steadfastly remained committed to the development of cricket throughout his lengthy and valuable tenure with the GCB.
Due to his prolonged illness, Terry decided not to seek re-election at our 2013 AGM but still remained in contact with the administration, since then continuing to offer his advice and counsel whenever called upon or not.
The GCB sincerely offers its condolences to all of his family, friends and relatives during this period of bereavement and trust that his strength of character and integrity will continue to live on and guide the principles and traits that we all continue to uphold.”
The GCB will be hosting a wake for the late Terry Holder this Sunday at the Georgetown Cricket Club from 19:00hrs and all are invited to join with the GCB as they remember and appreciate the invaluable work and achievements of the great son of Guyana.

(Calvin Roberts)

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