Dear Editor,
A current photograph of the GCC ground at Bourda doing the rounds on social media triggered a terrible nightmare that devastated my recent night’s sleep. This once-proud venue, which has hosted some of the most iconic moments in local, regional and international cricket history, has been neglected for much too long. In my nightmare, I saw this prime expanse of real estate purchased by entrepreneurial event planners, pockets filled with riches from their business activities in our oil-rich, entertainment-eager economy, and converted to a venue for cricket carnivals, “stink and dutty” fetes, concerts and the like. I hurriedly squeezed my eyes tight, and willed myself back “to sleep, perchance to dream” a different dream. And dream I did, and in the shadow of this dark vision, a more luminous one emerged. One in which a collective of visionary, cricket-loving Guyanese, perhaps emerging from a core of GCC members, came together and transformed this historical venue into a living testament to our nation’s cricket heritage. Here, in brief, are some of the highlights of what took place in my Dream 2.0:
Restoration of the Playing Area: They elevated the pitches and outfield to impeccable international standards, making Bourda, once again, a much sought-after venue for local and regional matches. Revival of the Players’ Pavilion: Using the finest quality, authentic Guyanese wood, and harnessing the skills of the best of our local builders and craftsmen, rather than erasing our distinguished cricket history with cold steel, concrete and glass, they preserved the original architecture, physical appearance and the very soul of this storied space. The Former Ladies Pavilion: This emblem of colonial gender, colour and class segregation practices, was repurposed into a state-of-the-art museum, housing artefacts, documents, cricket gear, photographs, and recorded radio and video commentary. A place that tells the Guyanese cricket ‘our story’, the journey from the very first game played on this ground. This well-preserved, restored, or recreated building becomes a must-see visitor attraction as well as a learning centre for young students of Guyanese history and students and players of this most glorious of games.
Spectator Stands: These were refurbished one by one, and rededicated in the names of our legendary cricketers by which they are already identified. New stands, when erected, could also pay homage to our more recent cricket heroes. The Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira Media Centre: Equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring live broadcasts and commentaries that resonate across the globe. Tribute Gates: Entrance gates named after our most outstanding national cricketers and dedicated administrators, acknowledging and reminding of their contributions every time a fan steps through.
In sharing these ideas, I am convinced that there are like-minded persons willing to champion this dream, to not only pay homage to our cricketing past but also lay the foundation for future generations to understand, respect, and continue the legacy. Indeed, I would not be surprised to learn that our energetic Minister of Sport already has a similar but much more creative and detailed vision for this historical site. By the way, Mr. Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, with his vast knowledge and experience, would indeed be an invaluable advisor for this endeavour. So please, just in case anyone with deep pockets may be considering what might be done with Bourda, let’s not just create another commercial space, let’s create a living monument to Guyanese cricket, our cricketing legends, their achievements and the spirit and soul of the game.
Sincerely,
Nick Harewood
