MINISTERS of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues, were earlier this week honoured by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

“Both of you are positive examples that we would be delighted to have our young cricketers in the Ancient County use as role models. We are seeking to develop a culture of hard work, dedication, discipline and both of you are perfect examples of these. The two organisations I am involved in, would like to honour you as positive role models.”

Those were the words of BCB President and Secretary/CEO of RHTYSC MS Hilbert Foster at a ceremony at the St Francis Centre.
The RHTYSC presented both ministers with its Dolphin Award of Excellence while the Berbice Cricket Board handed over the Tribute to Heroes Award.

Among the other awards of the club are: the Zenith Award of Excellence for club members, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, Tribute to Medical Workers and Tribute to Retired Teachers.

Awardees have included Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Minister Charles Ramson. Minister Vickram Bharrat, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Bakewell CEO Rajendra Ganga and NAMILCO CEO Bert Sukhai.

The BCB Tribute Heroes award is given to outstanding past players, friends of Berbice Cricket and positive role models.
Minister Croal, who was born in the county stated that he has been following the outstanding work of both organisations and was very impressed with the high standards they have set for others to emulate.

The Senior Minister hailed the outstanding leadership of Foster and urged him to uphold the good work he was doing. Noting that sports was a vital part of nation-building, Minister Croal spoke on the importance of team unity, discipline and a positive mind.

In a special pitch to the club and BCB, he urged them to network with a cricket club in Region One, where he serves as the Patron.
Foster immediately accepted the offer and has committed to assist the club with cricket gear, cricket educational materials including the historic coaching manual and some coaching if arrangements can be worked out.

Minister Rodrigues in a passionate and well received speech urged the young cricketers present to always strive to be the best they can be. She spoke at length of the importance of an educational background, staying grounded and for aiming for the sky despite the obstacles along the way.
The Ministers expressed thanks to the management of the two organisations for honouring them.