Dr Leslie Ramsammy installed as Patron of Albion CCCC

— Hetmyer to play for Albion in Speaker’s T20
— Permaul’s Trading, K.P Jagdeo General Contractors sponsor Albion for Speaker’s T20 Cup

By Brandon Corlette

It was one of the most significant days in the history of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCC) when Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Advisor to the Ministry of Health, was installed as Patron of the club on Tuesday last.
In addition to that historic installation, a ground-breaking announcement was made that, once available, West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer would suit up for ACCCC in the Speaker’s T20 championship, which commences on April 3.
Permaul’s Trading and K.P General Contractors have presented sponsorship cheques totalling $750,000 to the ACCCC, which would field a strong T20 team in the tournament with a host of international and national players.
Dr Ramsammy, meanwhile, has expressed gratitude to the ACCC for so honouring him.

In remarks, he spoke about the rich history of the ACCC, and how significant a role this cricket club has played over the years in producing great cricketers.
“If Albion sneezes, Guyana’s cricket catches a cold. Albion is a measure of cricket of this country. I had the opportunity to have extensive conversations with some of the world’s most famous cricketers, one of them namely Richie Benaud. In one conversation, he mentioned that the most difficult bowler he faced, he remembers only what they called him. And we called him in this community ‘Sugarboy’, who lived in Albion.

“As I accept this responsibility, I do it as I do everything – with seriousness and absolute commitment and dedication. To the cricketers who represent this club today, you carry on the legacy from the past. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport has vowed that the Government’s commitment to sports will be felt by our people starting this year; and by 2024, this club will be transformed, this site, and (be made into) a must-visit site. We will make this site competitive with the Providence Stadium, and it will be known across the Caribbean and across the world,” Dr Ramsammy said.
Meanwhile, ACCCC President, Vemen Walter, has said this is the first time in this club’s 73 years of existence that a patron has been installed. He described the patron as a son of the Albion soil, and revealed also that this is the first time the club has secured sponsorship of such great magnitude.
“The executives of the ACCCC are honoured to have Dr Ramsammy as our Patron. We are delighted to have the continued support of Permaul’s Trading and Distribution, along with K.P Jagdeo Contracting, Orvin Mangru Contracting Services, and Harrichand Business Enterprise with us to provide much needed sponsorship,” Walter noted.
He said that, without hesitation, Dr Ramsammy agreed and made himself available to be the Patron of the ACCCC. With Dr Ramsammy as patron, Walter believes, the ACCC will continue to reach greater heights.

Hetmyer among the stars
Talented left-hander Shimron Hetmyer will join the Albion team that is participating in the upcoming Speaker’s T20 Cup, which bowls off on April 3.
Hetmyer’s availability remains unclear, as he is preparing to depart Guyana’s shores to participate in the Indian Premier League, which will bowl off on April 9.
His departure is expected during the upcoming week, but the ACCCC President confirmed that, once available, Hetmyer would play for Albion.
The ACCCC team includes the likes of Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble and Jonathan Foo, among others. ACCCC Vice President Orvin Mangru has said the ACCCC, as favourites, would be aiming to win and put up a good show during this lucrative Speaker’s T20 tournament. The ACCCC’s first match will be against Everest CC on April 3.