WEST Indies and Guyanese cricket batting star, Shivnarine Chanderpaul was among those honoured by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) last Sunday, for his outstanding contribution to the cricketing world.
The IAC introduced awards, over the last five years, to recognise the contributions made by Indo-Guyanese to the development of Guyana in various fields.
As a result, for 2010, three awardees were recognised at the IAC Grand Cultural Mela staged in the National Park, Georgetown, to celebrate the 172nd anniversary of when East Indians arrived here.

* Chanderpaul, in the field of sports (cricket), representing both Guyana and the
West Indies. He has been considered as one of the greatest batsmen in the
West Indian batting line-up and was also the 2008 International
Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Year.

*  Leila Ramson, for her outstanding efforts in the field of education, especially,
teaching. She, currently, chairs the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and has
made invaluable contributions to its development. The wife of Attorney General
and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senior Counsel Charles Ramson, has worked,
diligently, in many charitable organisations, including Radio’s Needy Children’s
Fund.

*   Badrudin Hassan, for his tremendous contribution to religion. Better known as
‘Buddy Hassan, he was instrumental in the development of Peter’s Hall Masjid,
at East Bank Demerara and has served as President of the Jamaat for some 50
years.

The 35-year-old left-handed batsman, Chanderpaul, who hails from Unity Village, East Coast Demerara, received his accolade from President Bharrat Jagdeo, amidst loud applause from the crowd.

Achievements

“I just want to thank the IAC for recognising my achievements over the years for Guyana. And also thank the President for being here to hand this over to me. I know he has been behind me all these years, giving me full support, always behind me and always encouraging me to go out there and do well.
“Once again, thank you very much and, hopefully, I can carry on playing as long as I can and make you guys proud,” he said.
Ramson, on receiving hers, said: “Tonight is a very special night for me. I don’t know whether I deserve this award but I am here to receive it. For, I think all Guyanese strive to do their best and very best in the interest of our nation.”
Thanking the organisation, she encouraged the IAC to continue the good work it has been doing to contribute to Indian culture in Guyana.
“I have noted that it’s not only happening in Georgetown but it is also happening in the countryside, as well, especially Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
“And I must say thanks to them, for spreading the culture around and spreading the rewards around and encouraging all the people of Guyana to continue to respect our country and give, in whatever form, so that we can all benefit from the upliftment of our contribution to this nation,” Ramson added.
She concluded: “To our President here, I must say special congratulations for being Champion of the Earth.”
President Jagdeo has been awarded 2010 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), for his outstanding international leadership on combating climate change and his pioneering model on low carbon economic development.
Hassan said: “It is with great pleasure that I accept this token from the IAC.”
He thanked the donor for the kind gesture, adding: “I always thought that I give service above self.”
“I would dedicate this plaque to the Muslim community of Guyana,” Hassan announced.
He, too, extended congratulations to the Head of State, stating: “I know he is a dynamic leader.”
Notable IAC awardees in the past include Pat Dyal, Sattaur Gaffoor, Yesu Persaud, Tota Mangar, Dr. Bobby Ramroop, Imam Mohamed Shaheed, Shafiran Bhajan, Liloutie Bridgemohan, Harry Ramsaroop, the late Ayube Hamid and, posthumously, Satyadeow Sawh, Prakash Gossai, Lakshmie Kallicharran, Pita Pyare and Gobin Ram.