Rampersad, chief cook and bottle washer

Patrick Rampersad can be easily mistaken as just another cricket fan at the Diego Martin Recreation Ground looking to lap up some entertainment.

On closer examination one receives a major shock when the news breaks that this is the man who is working his life out to lift the gloom that once surrounded Patna and environs. His home is often turned into a public meeting place on a daily basis. And he has to thank his lucky stars for having a companion like Cassandra Rampersad who wants to help the villagers just as much as her husband. Rampersad, who is an executive member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control (TTCBC) has fought very hard to gain recognition on the cricket field for Merryboys.

For the past two years, he has presided over the top cricket club in Trinidad and Tobago, winners of the Carib National League Division One crown. Rampersad can be described as the chief cook and bottle washer in Diego Martin. His love for ‘‘Diego’’ goes beyond the boundaries off the cricket field as he is revered as a saviour to many of the unfortunate citizens in the area. In 1991 his bid to become the Member of Parliament for the Diego Martin West constituency failed but he still counted the most votes by any of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) candidates. He lost more because of traditional voting rather than his effort to help his constituents.

This did not deter him from attaining his goal and today he has formed a vibrant sports organisation that is the envy of most in Trinidad and Tobago. His players look up to him as a father figure and he shows them the respect that they deserve. This, according to him, is the key to their success —  letting them know that they are important. Diego Martin and in particular Merryboys can consider themselves very fortunate to have the  Rampersads on board and for this they can be considered blessed.