The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has expressed deep sadness on the passing of Robert Selman, the former head of Guyana Beverages Inc.
Selman, who died on Monday last in Trinidad and Tobago at age 75, was an avid supporter of sports in Guyana, and played a big role in the realisation of the Busta Champion of Champions 40-over tournament hosted by the RHTY&SC.
Secretary/CEO of the club, Hilbert Foster, on Wednesday issued a statement, detailing the impact Selman had on the cricket in Berbice through consistent sponsorship.
Below is the full statement.
“On behalf of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, I must express deep sadness on the death of our friend and supporter Mr. Robert Selman, who died on Monday last in his native homeland of Trinidad.
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 is one of the main reason why my work at the RHTYSC, MS and BCB has been so successful.
I first met Mr. Selman in 2003 when he asked the RHTY&SC to organise the Busta Champion of Champions 40-over 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.
He was a remarkable human being, who was caring, humble and down to heart, despite his position. He had a strong passion to make sure that sport was used to improve the lives of less fortunate youths and to promote the importance of education and discipline.
The cricketing careers of numerous RHTY&SC members were 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 benefitted from the support he provided for over 15 years. In October 2015, he became the first recipient of our highest award- The Dolphin Award of Excellence- for his contribution to sports and youth development.
Despite not been a Guyanese, there are very few of our countrymen who can match his contribution to sports in our country. His support for cricket, football, cycling and other sports during his time in our country is well recorded.
The club, along with the BCB, would make sure that the memory of Robert Selman is kept alive by organising something in his memory. On behalf of the management and members of the RHTYSC, MS and the BCB, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Selman. It is our sincere hope that God would guide and protect you during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Farewell dear brother and thanks for the rich memories you left behind.”
