‘Reds’ Perreira to be guest of honour

By Sean Devers
THE voice of Guyanese cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, along with the late great Tony Cozier, were known far and wide for over four decades painting a picture of International cricket in Australia, England and India for Radio listeners, especially in the early 1970s when televisions were not easily available in the West Indies.

‘Reds’, who hosts a Radio show in St Lucia were he now lives, has commentated on 150 Tests and was the voice of cricket in the West Indies.

‘Reds’ and his wife Zandra are expected to arrive in Guyana on Monday, March 6 for what is anticipated to be a Gala Event called ‘A night of recognition’ on March 8.

‘Reds’ Perreira is to be guest of honour at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) for the Event which starts at 6:00pm and will be hosted by former GCB President and CEO of Sterling Products Limited.

‘Reds’ who turns 84 in May, was transformed from a stuttering youth to illustrious radio commentator

The son of a farmer, who could not complete a sentence without stammering, overcame that and other daunting challenges, including a severe stroke in Australia, to become Guyana’s most illustrious sports commentator, as well as a household name in cricket broadcasting around the world.

Reds’, a walking encyclopedia of Guyanese sports history, was born in the riverine community of the Pomeroon in Essequibo.

The fifth of nine children, he spent his time as a little boy sailing and fishing, and never got involved in organised sport until 1945 when he moved to the city, after his father bought a house in Charlestown.

But it was his skill at describing sporting events that has given him his fame.

The experienced presenter got his big break in 1959 in radio commentary to start what would be an illustrious career behind the microphone.

In 1971, he commentated in his first Test at Bourda when India toured the West Indies.

Although he was now a top cricket commentator, who along with Tony Cozier, Brian Johnston and John Arlott, described the inaugural World Cup final in 1975 at Lords, ‘Reds’ was still directly involved in other sports and commentated on three World Title fights.

Married twice but without children, ‘Reds’ has devoted his entire life to sports.

For the many commentators who were influenced by the magic of his words painting an intriguing picture in the middle of the night on radio from far away Australia, and the hundreds of youths whose lives he changed though sports, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perriera has already given back…many times.

Naming the Media Centre at the Providence Stadium after him would be a fitting tribute to someone who proved that where there is a will there is always a way