Enterprise Busta Sports Club and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club have paid tributes to former Guyana Beverage Company General Manager, Robert Selman, who passed away earlier this week in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to President of the Berbice Cricket Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice-based Rose Hall club Hilbert Foster stated, “I must express deep sadness on the death of our friend and supporter…We knew that he was ailing but his death has left a huge hole that would be very difficult to replace and personally, I have lost a true friend, father-figure and a mentor who was one of the main reasons why my work at the RHTYSC, MS and BCB has been so successful.”
Foster reflected, “I first met Selman in 2003 when he asked the RHTYSC to organise the Busta Champion-of-Champions 40 overs tournament in Berbice for his company. The club and the BCB have hosted a total of 16 editions of the very popular tournament since then while the relationship with the company has touched and changed thousands of lives in the Ancient County.”
The BCB boss described Selman as “a remarkable human being who was caring, humble and down to heart despite his position.
“He had a strong passion to make sure that sports were used to improve the lives of less fortunate youths and to promote the importance of education and discipline,” Foster noted.
The veteran administrator added: “The cricketing careers of numerous RHTYSC members was made richer because of his love and encouragement. Robert Selman never said no to any of our requests and he was always available to give advice when we sought one. Players like Esuan and Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Shemaine Campbelle and Eon Hooper all benefited from the support he provided for over 15 years,” said Foster.
“In October 2015, Selman became the first recipient of our highest award from the club, the Dolphin Award of Excellence for his contribution to sports and youth development and despite not been a Guyanese,” said Foster.
“There are very few of our countrymen, who can match his contribution to sports in our country,” he added.
“The club, along with the BCB will make sure that the memory of Robert Selman is kept alive by organising something in his memory.”
Enterprise Busta shared similar sentiments while stating, “Selman has been associated with our club for a number of years and was very instrumental in supporting and assisting the club financially through sponsorship from Guyana Beverage Company and SMS Jaleel whose contributions improved the lives of a lot of youths within the village and along the East Coast.”
The executives of the club described Selman as a motivator who helped script the success stories of many of the cricketers who moved on to West Indies, Guyana and Demerara.
