BCB presents Singh brothers with its highest Award

“Presidency over the last eighteen months has been very successful due to the outstanding support I have received from both of you. There is no doubt whatsoever that you are both role models to your fellow Berbicians and have played major roles in changing the lives of others. We at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are very grateful for your cooperation as we strive to make sure that every youth fulfills his/her full potential on the cricket field”. Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he gave the feature address at a Special Award/Dinner Ceremony at the St Francis Community Developers Centre to honour overseas based Guyanese Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh and Dr Puran Singh.
The BCB presented its highest Award “The Rohan Kanhai/Basil Butcher Tribute to Heroes Award to both doctors. Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, who is based in Texas, U.S.A for 2019 has already donated close to $2M of his own funds to the BCB. Last year he contributed over $1M to host a Countywide Coaching Programme and a Cricket Academy for 70 young cricketers.
Singh, this year supporting the pro-active cricket board to continue the Countywide Coaching Programme, host a one-week Cricket Academy and assist clubs with water pitchers. Close to 80 water pitchers would be distributed to Clubs in the Ancient County under the BCB Outreach Programme. A very proud BCB President stated that the BCB is unmatched in terms of the work it does on and off the cricket field. Foster told Dr Singh that his support has enabled the Berbice Cricket Board to identify players like Isiah Thorne, Rampersaud Ramnauth and Jonathan Rampersaud among others.
They were all involved in the Coaching Programme last year under a panel of coaches headed by Level Three Coach Winston Smith. Dr Puran Singh, the younger brother of Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh came on board this year with the Berbice Cricket Board with a $300,000 sponsorship of the National Players Financial Stipend Scheme. Under this historic programme the Berbice Cricket Board provides $10 000.00 for Berbice player selected to represent Guyana at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 Male, Under-19 Female and Senior Female levels.
Since 2018, the BCB has shared out over $600,000 under the Scheme. Among the players benefitting this year were Zeymul Ramsammy, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Matthew Pottaya, Isiah Thorne, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Kevlon Anderson, Garfield Benjamin, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings and Shabika Gajnabi. The Berbice Cricket Board, Foster stated is investing heavily into its players with the main objective of making sure that the rich tradition of Berbice Cricket can continue in the future.
Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, in accepting the BCB highest award, stated that he was humbled to be recognised by the Cricket Board. He recalled that he was very supportive of the Leslie Amsterdam led BCB in the 1990’s and after his death, he lost contact with the Board. In 2018, he returned to sponsoring Berbice Cricket after the election of Hilbert Foster as President. Singh stated that he was very impressed with the work of the current executives and its financial accountability of his funds.
He reported that he regularly receives newspaper clippings, reports and photos from the BCB. Dr Puran Singh hailed the work of the BCB and expressed delight at being honoured. He also announced the renewal of his sponsorship for 2020. The two medical doctors also received Certificates of Appreciation and a special gift each from the BCB.
The RHTYSC, MS also presented its highest award “The Dolphin Award of Excellence” to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Dolphin Award was the highest of the Club’s twelve awards and is specially reserved for 60 outstanding Guyanese and ten non-Guyanese. Dr Singh is the 51st Guyanese to receive the prestigious award for being a friend of the Club and a positive role model to youths.