Essequibo’s Elder Statesman of Cricket

IT has been ten (10) years since the passing of Essequibo’s Elder Statesman of Cricket, Courtney Gonsalves, who formerly resided in Richmond, on the Essequibo Coast, and thereafter migrated to Canada, where he passed away in 2013 at the age of 63 years old.
He was not only a fitting role model, but he also stood as an institutio
n of infectious knowledge and profound compassion.

Cherished memories will remain that I was privileged to share with the revered Coach, since our bonded relationship began as a toddler, and was formulated from being a rookie youngster, excited to learn my trade like so many others, to a matured player who was always eager to consume his expert advice. Ever since then, our partnership remained unbroken until he was chosen for higher service, and at a venue where he will love the quicker pitches and Angels who will not spill his catches. Instead, a prophetic welcome seems inevitable for a distinguished champion of the game.

In retrospection, Gonsalves would have made a lasting impression on my life; not unexpectedly, though. I knew he would have been disappointed with my cricketing returns, given his dedication and energy, inspiration and courage, which he impartially and skillfully imparted upon me during my apprenticeship. In fact, as I emotionally reflect now, I believe that at some point he was being impatient after I was repaying him with consistently poor results. Yet, he never deserted or relinquished the herculean challenge to keep motivating us until the essence of a sweet victory. It was never a smooth riding for him; from being ruthlessly denied a fairer share as a national fast bowler when he was on top of his game, to coaching an Essequibo team that lacked the resources and impetus, which invariably would have caused much pain, embarrassment and disappointment, generally.

Then there was the advancement at the time by the powers that be to attempt to debar Essequibo from playing again at the inter-county level, because of the depressing performances.
It would have broken his heart had this happened, and it only propelled him instead to work even harder, and for longer hours, convinced that he could have undone the shackles of the Cinderella syndrome that had poisoned the morale of players, and even the faithful fans of Essequibo. And so, he began instilling within us, the pride, will and passion to chart a new course. Equipped with his vast experience, technical prowess, and compelling authoritative instincts, Essequibo began not to participate anymore but to fiercely compete with the giants from Demerara and Berbice. He was proudly and deservedly voted Coach of the Year by the Guyana Cricket Board in 1998; not in recognition of his already outstanding coaching ability, but for the transformation and tremendous impact that he would have made on the revival of Cricket in Essequibo and its fortunes. North Essequibo was to become the Team of the Year also, in 1998, winning every national competition against teams from the other counties. Essequibo was also to gain a historic and memorable victory against Berbice in a four-day inter-county match during that same period. He would have been proud of those achievements, and the gains made to lift Essequibo’s cricket from the doldrums. He was fond of also holding his charges in high esteem, and adored us; the likes of such players as Rovendra Mandolall, Lawrence Farnum, Devon Ramnauth, Latchmikant Narine, yours truly, Dinesh Joseph, Beesham Seepersaud, David Wallace, and Clain Williams among others. I must acknowledge, most emphatically, too, that he significantly contributed to shaping the careers of some of our more celebrated cricketers in Guyana, including the great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been conferred with an Honorary Doctors of Law and inducted into ICC Hall of Fame, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lennox Cush, Travis Dowlin, Mahendra Nagamootoo, and Reon King, all of whom he shared a very special relationship with. Such fatherly affection never waned, since he will be remembered as Essequibo’s pride and joy during an era of fast-bowling supremacy, as well as an idealist who conquered mediocrity, and a strategist of immense competence.

He also had a colossal impact on his son, Ian Gonsalves, who had the distinction of representing Guyana at the youth level, while his elder sons, Roy and the late Gary Gonsalves, were also competitive players. His youngest son, Nicholas Gonsalves, can attest to having his father’s rich cricketing blood, if not his skills, while his daughter, Sabrina Gonsalves’ knowledge of the game cannot be understated.

Coach Gonsalves will be sorely missed, but his ideals will live on as a guiding principle of someone who would have achieved success over adversity, while defying the odds to place Essequibo on the cricketing map. He will forever remain as Essequibo’s Elder Statesman.

Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney