Basil Persaud of Devonshire Castle Region Two, a former Essequibo Inter-County Player recently represented West Indies in the over 50 team at their recent world cup in South Africa.

Persaud shared his experience with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors at their last statutory meeting and said despite his side not winning, the experience was memorable.

Persaud was chosen to represent West Indies in a five match performance with both bat and ball.
During his match against Wales he managed to bowl eight overs for 28 runs and snapped a wicket. In that 14-team tournament, there were two groups with the two teams contesting in the final. England came out victorious having defeated the host country.
Speaking to councillors at the Region’s RDC, Persaud said he was honoured to represent the West Indies.

“When I heard I got selected I have to ensure that my mind and body was in order, I started to ensure I exercise regularly and stay fit for the tournament, I started playing cricket in my young days and I am glad that even in my aging I can still represent Cricket in Guyana” Persaud said.

Persaud, who is a right- arm seamer, said that the tournament had many skillful players and, in his mind, everyone was victorious having met so far in the game.

In West Indies Group A, New Zealand led the points table while West Indies finished at number 5 with three victories and three defeats.

In Group, B, England led the standing. The other 11 participating countries were: Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, the United States of America, Pakistan, India, Wales, the United Arab Emirates and Namibia.

West Indies team was captained by former Guyana youth player, the left-arm orthodox spinner Zamin Amin while the team was made up of several former first-players including Jamaican Delroy Morgan, Canada-based Guyanese Sunil Dhaniram among others.

Persaud expressed gratitude to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) his club, the Everest Cricket Club (Georgetown) and Reliance Sports Club (Essequibo Coast) for making his trip a success.

He also thanked Raj Singh, the Manager of the team, His Excellency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana DR. Irfaan Ali, Cabinet Minister Nigel Dharamlall, members of Everest and Bridgelall Lall of Reliance Sports Club.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva during the RDC expressed congratulations to Persaud for making Region Two proud and for being the first Essequibians to do so.