THE North American softball fraternity, comprising mainly of Guyanese-based players from Canada, New York and Florida, has paid glowing tribute to the outstanding contributions to the grassroots sport by the late Reyaz Husein.
Husein, the late vice-president and player of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) passed away suddenly on December 25, last year, stunning members of his organisation and other softball lovers throughout Guyana and North America.
The plaque, sent to Husein’s family reads: “In loving memory of Reyaz Imdad Husein. We may no longer hold, touch or talk to you but you will forever be in our hearts and daily thoughts.
“The love you shared with your family, friends and cricket associates will be with us forever. Gone, but never forgotten. Rest In Peace, dear brother.”

The plaque was handed over to Hussein’s family, which included his wife Samantha, son Reyad and daughter Sarah, last Saturday by senior official of GFSCA Rickey Deonarine. Also present at Deonarine’s ‘Old Trafford’ venue in Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, were GFSC executive members Jailall Deodass and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall fame.
The late Husein was also a popular emcee at Regional and International matches held in Guyana and performed similar duties for the GFSCA and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). A few days before his death, Hussein officiated as the moderator at the opening ceremony of the LBI floodlight facility.
Hussein was also a long-serving member of both Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club.
President of the Ontario Softball Cricket Clubs, Azeem Khan, was mainly responsible for coordinating the North Americans initiative. (Frederick Halley)