The local cricket fraternity was plunged into mourning on Wednesday afternoon following news of the passing of Guyana Cricket Board’s Assistant Secretary, Anil Persaud.
Persaud, who had a passion for the development of youth cricketers, passed away suddenly after complaining of feeling unwell. He was 48.
The Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club, of which Persaud was an executive member, said it has lost “a true servant of cricket. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP Anil Persaud.”
Also paying tribute to the late Persaud were the Guyana Cricket Board, the Berbice Cricket Board, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the Queen’s College Old Students Association.
Below are their messages.
Guyana Cricket Board: “It is with great sadness that the executives of the GCB extend condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Anil Persaud, GCB’s Assistant Secretary, on his sudden passing. Anil was known to the cricket fraternity for his active participation in the growth of cricket in the fields of coaching, selection and administration at the association, county and national levels. Anil’s positively impactful knowledge and unwavering commitment will be truly missed. The executives and cricket fraternity mourn the loss of a valuable board member and long-standing friend.”
Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club: “The Enmore CCCC extends sincere condolence to the immediate family and friends of Anil Persaud. Anil was part of a team which resuscitated our club in 2013 and he had made significant strides in the cricket fraternity thereafter. He was a serving executive member of the Club, a national youth cricket selector, cricket coach and also the GCB assistant secretary. Anil was the livewire of cricket and he was at the forefront of the development of cricket on East Coast Demerara. His off-field energy and dedication had certainly translated into outstanding cricket performances at the national level by youth cricketers from the Coast. We join others in praying that the family will remain strong during this most difficult period.”
Berbice Cricket Board and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (Hilbert Foster): “On behalf of the RHTYSC, MS, BCB and my family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the late Anil Persaud of Enmore. Mr. Persaud was a member of the Enmore CC and was also actively involved in the game at the national level. May God bless his family and pleased be assured of our prayers. We mourn his loss and salute his contribution to the development of the game. May his soul rest in peace.”
Queen’s College Old Students Association: “The Queen’s College family mourns the sudden passing today of alumnus Anil Persaud. Anil entered Queen’s College in 1982, Form 1A. Among many other things, Anil will be fondly remembered for his valuable contributions to the sport of cricket in Guyana, serving as the Assistant Secretary to the Guyana Cricket Board at the time of his passing. The Queen’s College Old Students Association (QC-OSA) extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of our dearly departed colleague. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
