Bibi Farida Shaw honoured as Brian Ramphal/BCB Mother of the Year
− Foster stresses importance of parents in development of youth cricketers
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday last honoured Bibi Farida Shaw of Number 72 Village, Upper Corentyne as its Brian Ramphal Mother of the Year awardee for 2021. Shaw, a mother of two cricketers, was selected based on her support of cricket in the area and for the role she is playing in the careers of her two sons, Seiraj and Devanand Chatterpal.
Brian Ramphal/BCB Mother of the Year 2021, Bibi Shaw poses with BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, UCCA Treasurer Victor Thakurdeen, her sons and others
BCB President Hilbert Foster and Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu visited Shaw at her residence to honour her, in the presence of her children and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) Treasurer Victor Thakurdeen. Foster stated that since the election of his elder brother Keith to the presidency of the BCB in 2009, the Board has honoured mothers and fathers of cricketers.
The rationale behind the honouring of parents in this manner , according to the BCB President, is to recognise the important role they play in the lives of their children. He stated that players usually joined cricket clubs around 11 years of age and as such, parents were usually their first role model, teacher and coach. The BCB boss stated that it was at home that the virtue of discipline is instilled. He noted that in Berbice, most mothers were housewives and as such, they were the parent who had regular contact with children in the home.
Foster congratulated Shaw on her achievement and urged her to uphold her high standard as a parent and to continue her support of the game. Foster also hailed the outstanding work of the UCCA and described it as the best organised sub-association in Guyana.
Speaking on behalf of the UCCA, Treasurer Thakurdeen congratulated Shaw and urged other mothers to follow in her footsteps . He stated that her support for activities of the UCCA was unmatched and she was always available to assist. Thakurdeen expressed thanks to the BCB for its outstanding stewardship of cricket in the Ancient County. An emotional Shaw stated that she felt very humbled to be honoured, and pledged that she would continue to support her two sons and the UCCA.
Shaw received a plaque, medal of excellence, framed certificate of excellence and several special gifts. The programme was sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese businessman Brian Ramphal, a long-time sponsor of Berbice cricket.
