RHTY&SC Organising Secretary Keith Hicks hands over the Dolphin Award to Joseph “Reds” Perreira
“You are a hero to several generations of cricket lovers and you brought the world of cricket into our imagination long before television came into our homes. Your voice inspired thousands of young West Indians to follow their dreams to become the next Sobers, Lloyd, Worrell, Richards and Greenidge. Most importantly, you were a role model to my generation and others, and have played a huge role in promoting Guyana and West Indies cricket. Today, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has the greatest privilege to honour you with our highest award – the Dolphin Award of Excellence.” These were the words of RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, as the Club honoured legendary international cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira.
Perreira, who was in the Ancient County as a guest of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), received the Dolphin Award of Excellence during a special ceremony Friday last at the St Francis Training Centre. He became the 33rd person to receive the award, which is given to friends of the RHTY&SC who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Guyana and also serve as a positive role model to youths. Among the other awardees are President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, former Test Player Roger Harper and Journalist Franklin Wilson.
Perreira started his legendary career in 1961 at the Rose Hall Canje Ground at the First-Class level and broadcast his first Test Match in 1971 when the West Indies played India at the Bourda Ground. Up to his retirement two years ago, Perreira did commentary in 147 Test Matches, 200 One-Day Internationals and over 350 First Class Matches. He also served as sports coordinator of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for over a decade and was an advisor to the late Sport Minister Shirley Field-Ridley in the 1970s.
A humbled Perreira, who was inducted as an Honorary RHTY&SC member 15 years ago, stated that it was an honour to receive such a prestigious award from Guyana’s best.
Perreira stated that he had to work hard to achieve success including overcoming a severe stammer. Success, he stated, can be achieved once a person has a dream and is prepared to put in a long time. The legendary commentator stated that many persons, including Raffeek Khan, opened the door of opportunities for him and he would always be grateful for it. Speaking on his career, he disclosed that it was a privilege to work with great Commentators like Tony Cozier, John Arlott and Jim Maxwell.
