By Frederick Halley
HAVING served the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) with distinction as president since 2016, Guyana-born Shiv Persaud has been entrusted into a new role.

Last Sunday, the dynamic Persaud was overwhelming elected president of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), replacing Ravin Babulall who took over the reins in 2019 after long-standing leader and founder-member Albert Ramcharran demitted office.

At Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Nugget Avenue, Scarborough, Ontaro Canada, several changes were made to the executive body which saw Dharmendra Kumar Jaipersaud elected as the new vice-president replacing seasoned executive Kim Sue.

The other executive members are: Dinawatie Jaipersaud – Secretary, Natasha Sue – Treasurer, Ian Baldeo – Schedule Coordinator and Terry Mathura – Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. He previously served as Vice-president until 2019. The positions for Statistician and Assistant Registrar/Statistician are still to be filled.

High on the list of Persaud’s priorities is to work on introducing softball to youths and women. “We currently have two women on board and they are eager to fulfil their roles in the new capacity.”

An ebullient Persaud said he intends to create a healthy environment for open discussions between members and executives of the OSCL “as we work together to continue the development of softball cricket. It is an organisation with over 25 years of dedicated and selfless work by many outstanding individuals. We got to continue their hard work and make it one that they can be proud to be a part of. I would like for the members, sponsors and executives to be proud of their involvement with the OSCL.”

Persaud pointed out that over the years, the OSCL has benefited tremendously from many sponsors and it will be important to have their contributions for the upcoming season.

In a thank-you email to the past executives, Persaud extended a hearty thank you to them for their selfless service provided to the OSCL over the years.

According to Persaud, “It is truly a thankless role to fulfil and you have shown the strength, determination and grit to withstand all things for the greater good of the Ontario Softball Cricket League.

“Myself and fellow executives will do our best to fulfil the roles and complete the tasks ahead to continue the great work you have done. Should you consider serving going forward in the future, we will all welcome you on board with open arms.

Persaud pleaded with them “to continue to support us in making a smooth transition given the short time we have to prepare for the 2022 season.”