Dear Editor,
It is indeed an honour for two Guyanese who were close friends of the legendary cricket writer and commentator, Tony Cozier to organize a function titled ‘Cricket Conversations’ in his memory with distinguished speakers like Deryck Murray, former West Indies vice-captain and wicket/keeper; paceman Richard ‘Prof’ Edwards; and cricket historian Professor Clem Seecharan.
The function will be held on Wednesday March 8 at the Savannah Beach Hotel in Hastings, Barbados and will include topics like ‘What you know of cricket?’ in which journalist BCPires, Murray, Dr Seecharan, and others will discuss the governance and future of West Indies cricket ‒ a tribute to Cozier who covered 266 Test matches in five decades in all the cricketing nations of the world.
Tony spent his entire adult life, not only commentating and writing about the game he so loved, but giving advice to players and administrators, and it is unfortunate he passed away last May when cricket was at its lowest ebb. He was around and covered West Indies’ victory in the first two World Cups and was always supportive to captains Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, Alvin Kalicharran, Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh, Jimmy Adams, Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and others, not to mention coaches Andy Roberts and more than ten others.
The Barbadian born commentator who was world famed, was very outspoken, although at times his observations did not meet the approval of cricket administrators, coaches and even captains. However, he was of great help to most of them by sharing his knowledge with them.
The organizers of next Wednesday’s programme are Isabelle de Caires and her brother, Brendan de Caires, children of solicitor David de Caires, founder of Stabroek News and Moray House. Isabelle and Brendan are deeply involved in arts and literary expression and established Knowledge Distillers. Isabelle’s partner, Mike Atherton, former England captain was also a close friend of Tony, as well as Prof Seecharan, and Deryck Murray.
It is an extremely good gesture on the part of Isabelle and Brendan de Caires to arrange such an event, which in my view should be organized by the West Indies Cricket Board, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, the Press Association and other regional organizations.
Yours faithfully,
Oscar Ramjeet
