CRICKET lovers everywhere celebrated the life and rued the passing of Berlin Saheed, as he was laid to rest on Friday, April 17th, at Osceola Memorial Gardens, Kissimmee, Florida. Uncle Berlin, as we called him, played the game for many years, representing Albion, Port Mourant, Berbice County and Guyana. Family and friends were overwhelming in his praise. I noted his grandsons were so grief-striken that they struggled with the words to wish him good journey.

It is with some irony that his final “stint” in cricket was as an umpire for the Florida Softball Cricket Association (FSCA), where he earned the respect and admiration of all the members. This is somewhat ironic because he was a “hardball” player.

Hackim (Tom) Bacchus (President) and Rafik Khan (Head of umpires) sent him off in style with a bat arch.

I knew him myself in 1969-70 when he first took on caretaker responsibilities at Port Mourant Community Centre. Only nine years old, I observed first hand his good nature and even temperament.

Berlin Saheed, a good son of whom Guyana can be proud.
DANIEL DHANRAJ
Orlando.