…Family observes 25 years following his tragic passing
TWENTY-FIVE years after he was gunned down at his cambio in downtown Georgetown, the memory of late businessman and cricket administrator extraordinaire Neville Sarjoo lives on.

Recently, members of Sarjoo’s immediate family, including his wife Lynette, sons Beckles and Ricardo and daughter Debbie were among those in attendance at a memorial 20-over cricket match, organised by a special committee, orchestrated by Ricardo, the youngest of the siblings, to mark the occasion.
The venue was the Foch ground, popularly known as the “Cage” in Baisley, Queens, New York and the teams involved were East Bank and Sarjoo’s X1.

Glowing tributes were paid by the three children, with Beckles reliving the occasion when his father, despite being an executive of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), was among those helping to bale water off the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda, to assist in getting the venue ready for an international game. Beckles reminded the audience that he dad did so without any footwear. Such was the enthusiasm and simplicity of Sarjoo.

The match saw East Bank emerging winners via the DLS method by eight wickets after rain brought a premature end to proceedings after they were well-placed on 155 for two in 15.4 overs in pursuit of 211 for victory.
Former Guyana youth player Jamal Hinkcson led the way with a boundary-studded 103 off 55 balls, laced with nine fours and seven sixes while Vick Mohabir was undefeated on 22. Samuel Raghubir took one for 17 from 2.4 overs while Keifer Phil had 1 for 33.

Earlier, Sarjoo’s X1 reached a challenging 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs, after winning the toss and electing to take first strike, with Asif Chan leading the way with a fine 70 off 46 balls, a knock that contained six fours and three sixes. He received useful support from Tegana McKenzie (28), Michael Sultan (27) and Keron Sewnarine (21). Mark Gomes (two for 30), Fuze Azeez (one for 25), Vick Mohabir (one for 34) and Shiv Raghubar (one for 44) shared the wickets.

At the presentation ceremony, which followed, Hinckson carted off the best batter and Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Shiv Raghubar – best bowler and Dwayne Shaw – best fielder. Former Guyana Youth player Dereck McDonald was also the recipient of a special plaque for his role in assisting to organise the tournament over the years.

The ceremony was officiated by Lenny Achaibar, who was also the ball-by-ball commentator at the game. Former Test umpire Eddie Nichols and Derek Narine were the officiating umpires.
The first memorial tournament was held in 2014 but Covid-19 put brakes on it after 2019. (Frederick Halley)