The Indo Caribbean Federation Lights Up Whitestone Park

By Sham Ali
The Indo Caribbean Federation Eighteenth Annual Cricket Match between Guyana and Trinidad played at Whitestone Ferry Park in the Bronx last Saturday was a grand success. The organizers Ralph Tamesh (President) Lisa Edoo, Frank Singh and the ICF executive committee must be applauded for their organizational skills in putting on an event of such magnitude.

The blessings and charitable endeavors of the Federation have extended far and wide across the length and breadth of North and South America and beyond. It was quite evident from the large attendance at last Saturday's match that the efforts of the ICF are well appreciated and that the Federation is on firm grounds.

Guyana took the honors in this match in convincing fashion for the tenth time with a 51 runs victory. The match brought out some of the veterans, in their whites, who have graced the occasion over the years. In the Guyanese camp were Rudy Latchman, Derrick Kallicharran, Zamin Amin, Tim Persaud, Debo Sankar, and Marlon Kallicharran and on the Trinidadian camp were the likes of Glen Lorick, David Mohamed, and Ganesh Ramsingh. Both teams had their compliment of some younger players who will hopefully take up the mantle in the years ahead. The occasion was also graced by the former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman Leonard Baichan.

The ICF has recognized many outstanding personalities over the years and most recently former Trinidad national player and West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julian. This year the Federation showed their appreciation to one of Guyana's proud cricket son, Romain Etwaroo, for his outstanding achievements and ambassadorial qualities in the game at local, regional and national level for his country. Showering him with praise was his former opening partner for Berbice and Guyana Leonard Baichan and teammate Vinoo Beasmonie.

The event also showcased its own unique qualities in presenting the players and notable personalities with appreciation certificates. The President of the ICF paid glowing tributes to the following players Derrick Kallicharran, Marlon Kallicharran, Debo Sankar, Zamin Amin, Tim Persaud, Rudy Latchman, Ganesh Ramsingh, David Mohamed and Glen Lorick for their services to the ICF over the years and invited these gentlemen to be part of the planning committee for the future matches sponsored by the ICF. It was also graced with the services of commentators extraordinaire in Carl Bennett and Leonard Achaibar whose voices have become household name in the New York cricket area. The ICF also presented plaques to both of these gentlemen for their outstanding services towards the upliftment and promotion of cricket in the Caribbean Community. Seu Etwaroo a former marathon runner from Port Mourant was also honored who has represented Guyana in the past. The half time show buzzed to the artistry of two dancers who provided an entertainment value for the crowd to the sounds of spicy Indian music.

It was eventful day for the Federation blessed with excellent weather. The sponsors must be hailed for their generous contributions over the years, which have played a vital hand in ensuring the longevity of the ICF, and contributed in putting the lives of many people on a solid platform. The involvement of many more giving and caring individuals will ensure that the goals and adjectives of the ICF will be better served. The ICF has a bright future and will continue to make strides in the right direction.