President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chetram Singh yesterday offered his congratulations to Guyana, West Indies and Durham middle order batsman Shivnarine ‘Tiger’ Chanderpaul, who has received the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the third highest national award, from President Bharrat Jagdeo.
“I think he has done enough to be honoured in this way. Over the past three years, he has been the most consistent batsman for the side and being given the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer-of-the-Year award last year, speaks volumes of his achievements.”
The longest serving West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director further stated, “This can serve as a yardstick for other cricketers and sportsmen and women who can receive similar treatment. At the moment, he deserves every honour that is being given to him at the moment.”
“It is with deep respect that I extend heartfelt congratulations to Shiv on behalf of the GCB and its associated members, wishing him all the best in the future. Well done Shiv.”
Chanderpaul, who was also a recipient of the Arrow of Achievement (AA), heard the great news from the Head of State at a cocktail reception held at State House on Tuesday night, thus following in the footsteps of former West Indies players Lance Gibbs and Rohan Khanai, who both received the same awards.
Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd was the recipient of the Order of Roraima (OR), and according to Singh, he would not be surprised if Chanderpaul who holds the record for winning the Sportsman-of-the-Year award on six occasions, receives that too before the end of his career.
Chanderpaul will receive his national award tomorrow night at the National Cultural Centre. At the same time he will receive his National Sports Commission (NSC) 2008 Sportsman-of-the-Year award.
