By Avenash Ramzan
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on Thursday morning presented its Gold Mastercard to Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph in recognition of his performance on the international stage.
Joseph, who, in his debut Test series for West Indies delivered memorable performances and led the way in a historic win for the Caribbean side over Australia at the Gabba, was welcomed at GBTI’s Water Street location by top officials of the bank.
With steel pan music from GBTI’s Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra filling the air, Joseph spent about an hour interacting and posing with customers and presenting them with autographed cricket bats.
Rawattie Mohandeo, the Business Development Manager at GBTI, congratulated Joseph on his cricketing exploits and aligned his success to the shared commitment of the bank.
“It is with great pleasure and admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shamar Joseph for his remarkable achievements in the world of cricket. Shamar, your dedication, skill, and perseverance have brought immense pride to Guyana and have earned you a well-deserved place among the sporting elite,” Mohandeo said during a brief ceremony.
“As a proud Guyanese-owned bank, GBTI has recognised your outstanding contributions to cricket and your representation of Guyana on the international stage and it is my honour to present you with a GBTI Gold Mastercard. This card is not just a token of our appreciation, but a symbol of our shared commitment to success.”
Mohandeo also commended the Guyana Cricket Board for its continued support and dedication to the development of cricket in the country and the integral role it plays in nurturing talents like Joseph.
The banking official also wished Joseph continued success, both on and off the field.
“Your unwavering commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to us all, and we have no doubt that you will continue to make Guyana proud with your remarkable talents. Congratulations once again and may your future endeavours be filled with even greater triumphs,” Mohandeo articulated.
Joseph, 24, expressed his appreciation for the gesture by GBTI.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you very much for this; I appreciate it.”
Joseph rose to international stardom in January with remarkable returns in his debut Test series ‘Down Under.’
The fast bowler claimed a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket- that of modern day great Steve Smith- on his way to figures of 5-94.
He also made scores of 36 and 15 in that match at Adelaide, becoming the first man in the history of the game to take a five-wicket haul and score over 50 runs on Test debut.
The dream start to his international career reached new heights in Brisbane, as he took 7-68, bowling with an injured toe, to lead West Indies to a memorable victory to level the two-match series.
It was the first time West Indies had defeated Australia in a Test match in Australia for 27 years.
