Esuan Crandon among recipients of BCB highest award “Tribute to Heroes”

BCB 80th anniversary celebrations 1939-2019…

“My heart belongs to Berbice cricket despite not living in the county currently. I accept this award with great pride, because the Ancient County would always be home. All that I have achieved as a player and then as a coach was due to the foundation which was laid in Berbice. Thank you for honouring me and the other awardees; this is extra special.”

Those were the words of former Guyana all-rounder and current Guyana Jaguars Cricket Coach Esuan Crandon as he expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for honouring him and three others as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations for the founding of the Board.
Crandon, Angela Haniff, Joseph Simon, and Dennis D’ Andrade on Friday last became the latest Berbice cricket officials to receive the BCB highest award “Tribute to Heroes”. The “Tribute to Heroes” Programme was launched under the presidency of Keith Foster in 2008 and has continued under the present administration led by his younger brother, Hilbert Foster.
Foster, in announcing the awardees, stated that the success of Berbice cricket has been achieved by the hard work and sacrifice by countless persons, who mostly do so behind the fanfare of the general public. He noted that the BCB under his leadership strongly believed in honouring heroes in their lifetime as it was almost worthless to do so when they were dead.
He expressed gratitude to the four awardees for service of the highest standard and for being an inspiration to others, who served around them. To date, the persons who have received the award including Carl Moore, Vemen Walter, Mortimer George, Roy Baijnauth, Rafeek Latiff, Albert Smith, Sydney Jackman, Lennox Phillips, Ancel Hazel, and Roshan Moakan.
Crandon was honoured for his contribution to Berbice on the field and for leading Guyana to five successive First-Class titles. He has also coached the West Indies A Team and was Assistant Coach for the Senior Team. Veteran Angela Haniff, who currently serves as the BCB Office Administrator, holds the distinction of being the first female cricket executive in the administration of cricket in Guyana.
She served as Assistant Secretary and then Secretary. Joseph Simon served Berbice cricket as an umpire for over three decades until ill health forced him into retirement. He still serves as President of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association. Dennis D’Andrade heads the proactive Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and has spearheaded a revival of cricket in the area after a period of decline and division.
Foster urged the awardees to share their vast experience with the younger generation of Club officials.
Crandon, in a well-received speech of gratitude, stated that he felt humble to be honoured and pledged to assist in the development of the game in the Ancient County. He also advised the large gathering of youth cricketers to work hard on their cricket and to not forsake their education.
He stressed on the importance of physical fitness and working on improving every aspect of their game on a daily basis. The award was co-sponsored by the Berbice Cricket Board and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Each of the awardees carried home a framed certificate of excellence, medal, trophy, anniversary souvenir cup, and a special gift.