Described as being a `giant among men’ Cecil `Skip’ Roberts, 86, a former Deputy Commissioner and Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force and president of the Guyana Hockey Board has died.
Roberts passed away yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
As a national hockey player Roberts captained the 1985 Pan American Games team.
He was also a versatile ball player representing the country at rugby, cricket and soccer.
Yesterday president of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Philip Fernandes, paid tribute to the late sports icon.
stairs along with members of the 1961 team.
“Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts was a giant among men, especially in the realm of field hockey in Guyana. He represented Guyana with distinction during the 1960s and 1970s as a central midfielder and eventually as Captain. He was among the finest players of the game in that day,” stated Fernandes.
“`Skip’ was the founder of the Old Fort field hockey club which started in his bottom house where children from the South Ruimveldt community and `Skip’s’ two sons, Jeremy and Sammy would practice. The club went on to achieve tremendous results in hockey over the years and remains one of the country’s premier clubs, producing many fine players who represented Guyana. `Skip’ then went on to revive the hockey team of the Guyana Police Force and took that team through its most vibrant years. Later in life, after retiring from the field, `Skip’ continued to serve the sport as a federation president and international team manager,” said Fernandes.
Troy Peters, a former president of the Guyana Hockey Board and national player, said that Roberts used his wit, charisma and intellect to inspire the youths of the South Ruimveldt Community.
“Many of us from the Old Fort Hockey Club are eternally indebted to `Skip’ Roberts for the good deeds he did for us all, particularly those who lived in South Ruimveldt Gardens, where his home was our second home,” stated Peters.
“A man who used his wit, charisma, and intellect to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate to be in his presence.
“Condolences to his grieving family.
“Cecil Skip Robert’s contribution to development of hockey in Guyana was significant. He served the game well as a player, administrator and a great hockey father not only to his biological children but to many of us who played the game.
`Skip’ served as national captain, president of the hockey board, team manager and the hockey fraternity always looked to him for technical and logistical support over the years. His sons Jeremy, Sammy and Jonathan, followed in his footsteps and have gone on to play hockey internationally.
“His home in Greenheart Street, South Ruimveldt was like a hockey nursery. So many youngsters in South Georgetown went there to play or joined the popular Old Fort Club that was founded back in the 70’s and is still in existence today. As a national sports icon “Skip” also played rugby and football. He will be sorely missed,” said Peters.
Chris Fernandes, recalls his first meeting with Roberts.
“It was on the Easter weekend that we first met and the idea of Guyana’s first participation at the Pan American Games was discussed. We were lucky that in that year, the USA men’s hockey team visited Guyana and participated in two games against our national team. We drew one game nil-all but won the second one, one-nil. He became the president and I the secretary and were successful in gaining admission to participate in the Pan American games in Cali, Columbia in 1971,” Chris Fernandes recalls.
Nigel Hinds who represented Guyana at hockey and basketball and is a former president of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) said that Roberts was indeed one of the greats.
“One of the greats! Many of us from Old Fort are indebted to `Skip’ Roberts for the good deeds he did for us and through his family. A man whose wit, charisma, and intellect made his presence command the arena! Condolences to all his family and friends.”
