… aims to have more players in Windies team

IN 1966, OSCAR Ramjeet petitioned the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in his capacity as secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), so that the BCB can have more than the two votes they were allowed at annual general meetings of the governing body.

That move by Ramjeet, was well supported by Attorneys-at-Law the late Fred Wills (S.C) and Rex McKay (S.C), two members who were representing the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and who also needed the BCB’s backing to oust the-then GCB executives.
Last Sunday night, during the hosting of the BCB’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Dinner, Ramjeet, in accepting his Tribute to Heroes award from Dr Frank Anthony, said he is setting up a chapter in Florida, USA, to assist more Berbicians in being a permanent figure on the West Indies team.
“This is a move to continue the trend to have more Berbicians in the West Indies team,” said Ramjeet to his audience which included President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy, BCB president Keith Foster, Berbice’s oldest Test cricketer alive Basil Butcher and Albion Cricket Club’s first Test player Sew Shivnarine amongst other special invitees.
In thanking the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) officials for naming him as an honoree, Ramjeet said he wants to play an important role to continue to develop cricket in the county of his birth and got a loud round of applause from everyong when he made his announcement.
“I will get support and assistance from Dr Tulsi Singh who has contributed significantly to cricket by sponsoring Under-17 tournaments for five years,” said Ramjeet who added that he will contact former national cricketers, businessmen, and others for their assistance in the venture.
His aim is for Berbice to continue to have Test and International players on a regular basis, and said that he has already contacted a former West Indies cricketer to travel to Berbice to conduct coaching sessions, with the blessings of the Ministry of Sport and BCB.
Regional Chairman, Region Five (East Berbice/Corentyne) David Armogan and BCB officials pledged to work along with the Ministry of Sport to assist the county, which to date has produced 17 Test players for the West Indies, inclusive of the lone female Test player from Guyana in Candace Atkins.

(By Calvin Roberts)