Preysal pupils beautify National Cricket Centre

The group of youngsters included close relatives of several outstanding Preysal cricketers such as Rangy Nanan, a former national cricket captain recently deceased; West Indies wicket- keeper Denesh Ramdin, and fast bowler Ravi Rampaul.

On Thursday, they participated in the second phase of a tree-planting exercise along the roadway linking the Old Southern Main Road and the NCC facilities, presided over by first vice-president of the TTCB, Dr Allen Sammy, and Cricket Operations Officer Dudnath Ramkessoon.

The plants, all imported fruit trees, were provided by Fizees Hosein and were successfully hatched at his private nursery.

Among the sought-after species were Chinese wax apples, Malaysian Grumichama Cherry, Vietnamese Pois Doux, Indian Barahar, Sapodilla, Brazilian Sweet Tamarind; Pink, and Yellow Poui, Camite, Saijan, Jamaican Ackee, and American Weeping Willow.

Hosein said that the first phase of the project was completed when Dr Alloy Lequay was president and Chief Executive Officer of the TTCB many years ago, and he was pleased to be able to continue the effort to beautify the NCC facility with Azim Bassarath as the current leader.

Dr Sammy welcomed the pupils who were supervised by the school’s cricket team manager/ coach Rodney Deonanan. He told them they were privileged to be part of the historic event at the NCC which will be a legacy left to be enjoyed and admired by all to pass by or visit the cricket centre.

He said that the tree-planting exercise will also prove to be an educational experience for the youngsters, who are all budding sports stars (cricket and track and field) as they are focussed on protecting and preserving the environment.

Ramkessoon, who captained the first West Indies Youth team to England in 1970 and also led the national senior team, urged the students to each adopt a plant by taking responsibility for its maintenance and ensure that it grows into a mature tree.

He said they should try to emulate the development of the trees by maturing into successful cricketers, to beautify the cricket landscape and become worthy of playing at the highest levels at the NCC when they become older.

Ramkessoon also added some fatherly advice to the children, warning them about the health risks of eating too much fast food, the need to stay away from bad influences, and instilling in them the belief in a bright and better future ahead of them.

Among the pupils who participated in the effort on Thursday were Giovanni, and Jaylan Nanan the grandchildren of Nanan, a top off-spinner who also played with for the West Indies; Ramdin’s nephew Steven Rampersad; and brothers Aneal and Akeal Rooplal, nephews of Rampaul.

Also in the group were Kd’jazz Mitchell, vice-captain of the Preysal Government Primary School girls’ team, winners of two consecutive Atlantic LNG national titles, and three-time finalists. The girls have also represented the Caroni Educational District in national competition on three occasions.

Deonanan also highlighted the promise of Vashist Malloo, at eight-years-old the youngest member of the boys’ team; Atia Fletcher, a budding cricketer and sprinter; and Hema Manohar who also excels in both sports.

Both Dr Sammy and Ramkessoon thanked Hosein for his continued commitment to partnering with the TTCB in the environmental and educational initiatives, the benefits of which they predicted will be immeasurable in the long run, providing both luscious fruits and a pleasing sight for all those to frequent the National Cricket Centre.