GUYANA and West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was presented with the Cricketer-of-the-Year Award at the recently held Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) annual awards ceremony over the weekend.The ceremony, which was held at the club’s headquarters at the Albion Sports Complex, saw Permaul edge the other half of the club’s and Guyana’s ‘spin twin’ Devendra Bishoo for the cricketer-of-the-year award.
Permaul received the award for his exemplary performance in the recent regional tournament as well as his recall to West Indies. Devendra Bishoo was given the Bowler-of-the-Year award and Jonathan Foo received the award for Batsman-of-the-Year.
ACCCC rising star Gudakesh Motie copped several awards. Those included the Most Improved Cricketer-of-the-Year, Most Disciplined Cricketer-of-the-Year and for representing Guyana at the senior level. Foo and Adrian Sukhwa were also awarded 1st Division and 2nd Division Cricketer-of-the-Year respectively while the Most Promising Cricketer-of-the-Year award was given to David Latchana.
The U-19 Cricketer-of-the-Year was B. Baldeo while at the U-17 level Sukhwa was given the nod and Kevin Omroe was handed the U-15 title.
Other awards were presented to Narsingh Deonarine, Permaul and Devendra Bishoo for representing the West Indies while Anthony Baramble was presented with an award for representing Guyana at the senior level. Special awards were given to Mr Lloyd Kanden, Mr Deonarine Balram and Mr Ajit Mootoo.
The Albion Cricket Club is one of Guyana’s oldest cricket clubs and has produced several Guyana and West Indies players over the years.
The Club was also the awardee of the Club-of-the-Year award for the third consecutive year.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony Mr Gervy Harry, Administrative Officer of the National Sports Commission stressed the importance of education and sports as they can both go hand in hand. He applauded the club for its success over the years and charged the cricketers to ensure they get a proper education to fall back on after retirement from the sport.
Harry told the awardees to continue to strive for success, reminding them that the achievement should be a stepping stone for other goals.
“You are worthy of this award, you have made yourself proud. You have made the officials, fans, friends and family and all of Albion proud. You have worked hard for this success. However, you must each thrive for repeated and consistent achievement of goals. Having achieved one goal, that must be the starting point for other goals. There must be sustained commitment to development of yourself and cricket. It is important for cricketers to thrive to have goals.”
Harry also expressed appreciation to the Albion for their contribution to the development of cricket in Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.