Remembering Burlin Saheed

                                                                Remembering Burlin Saheed

Burlin Saheed’s great contribution to Berbice cricket was not his bowling, so as to speak, but the development he brought about in sports among the youths in the Port Mourant-Albion areas.

Saheed who died in Florida four years ago, a week or so before another Port Mourant icon Ivan Madray has certainly shaken up the cricket fraternity. We know that death is inevitable, but when it happens, we hardly want to accept it.. Madray rose from an ordinary leg-spinner to that of an extra-ordinary, and reached the pinnacle of his career when he made his debut against Pakistan in 1957 at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain.

Saheed on the other hand ruled the roost for a number of years at the local level, and brought much joy and delight to the thousands with his magnificent bowling. In 1974, Saheed was in the twilight of an illustrious bowling career when Williamburg-Kilcoy-Chesney District Council took a bold step by assigning the left-arm spinner as Cricket Coach and Sports Organizer for the area.

Aptly referred to as the “Little Magician”, Saheed still regarded as the most feared bowler in the Ancient County had responsibility for the general upliftment and development of all sports in that area. Saheed had to indulge himself to unearth hidden talents in the schools and youth clubs. That proved to be a blessing in disguise for the players in the area. It was the first time, a cricketer of such caliber was on spot to engage and encourage youngsters with potential.

The man who has secured the most wickets-72 in the 1974 concluded Davson Cup competition took with him a wealth of experience which put him in good stead in his new assignment. While at Port Mourant, Saheed was very much active, organization wise, especially in the table tennis section from which emerged a galaxy of young stars who did Berbice and Guyana proud. Prior to his departure to Albion, Saheed was instrumental in the formation of a racing cycle club which was progressing well. Saheed was showered with praises by a top official from Port Mourant who said “ his services would be greatly missed by all. Saheed gets much satisfaction out of it, even it means sacrificing his first love, cricket, which he does very often. He has served Port Mourant diligently and it is hoped he would achieved even greater success in the future. Port Mourant’s loss is obviously Williamburgh-Kilcoy-Chesney’s gain.

Mr. Mustapha Ali, chairman of the District Council whose brainchild it was to engage a Sports Organizer said his Council fully supports and sees the need for such a person for the promotion of sports in the area. “To match words with action, we have already voted the sum of $40,000.00 (common on guys, a lot of money then), which would be used in the course of the year for this purpose.

Touching on Burlin Saheed, Mr. Ali said that they have every confidence in the man whom they believe is capable of transforming the image of sports in the area and would like to wish him all the best in his new venture. ‘Saheed has the personality to command respect and is certain to get much out of his pupils with his technique and ability,’ he said

Burlin Saheed made only three first-class appearances, two for Berbice in the Jones Cup final (was given first-class status in 1971), and his returns did not do him justice. In 1966, the year of Guyana’s Independence, Burlin Saheed made his first-class debut for Guyana against Combined Leeward and Windward Islands at Warren Park, Basseterre. He was one of seven Berbicians-the highest number ever to represent the country-along with Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredericks, Randolph Ramnarace and Sydney Jackman (wkt.).

Saheed was not required to do much bowling with the presence of left-arm spinner Rex Colleymore and Lance Gibbs who sent down 23 and 25 over respectively. Saheed bowled a mere four overs. However, he fared much better in the second innings taking three wickets for 44 runs in 20 overs of which 7 were maidens. Lance Gibbs once more proved his class by taking six wickets for 49 runs in 42 overs of which 20 were maidens.

What is interesting is that in addition to the seven Berbicians on the Guyana side, the remaining four comprised of players from Demerara, Vincent Mayers, Clive Lloyd, Rex Colleymore and Lance Gibbs.

Burlin Saheed was a great spinner of the ball, but generally bowled a good length and line. In addition to the number of wickets he took in the competition, Saheed will be best remembered as being the most feared bowler in the limited overs matches. Two such matches come to mind.

In the Bristol Cup final at Bourda in 1971, he bamboozled a strong Police Sports Club (PSC) batting line-up with tantalizing figures of 8-4-7-5. Such figures are unique in limited overs. It has never been surpassed then, and it is hardly likely to do so in the future. Police were routed out for a paltry 103 in reply to Port Mourant’s 167 with Randolph Ramnarace hitting a whirlwind 81. And while full credo must be give to Burlin Saheed for his memorable performance, we must not lost sight of the fact that it was that burly paceman Randolph Ramnarace who initiate the destruction. Ramnarace will be remembered for his fantastic performance when he spread-eagled Milton Pydanna’s wicket in the first ball of the opening over, which sent the Bourda crowd in uproar.

In the Rothman’s final a year later at Bourda, Port Mourant found themselves struggling at 66 for six before Burlin Saheed defied Police, this time with the bat. He and wicketkeeper Deo Mangal who held the record for the most dismissal in an innings- 8 in the Davson Cup, featured in a valuable seventh wicket partnership of 60 to once again give Port Mourant victory, thereby entrenching Port Mourant as the undisputed champion in domestic competition.

Saheed played his last match in the late ‘70s against Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at Bourda in the Rothman’s final. Port Mourant won a nail-biting finish when Anan Sookram, a Junior Caribbean Table Tennis champion scored the winning run in the final ball. Port Mourant being the only club to hold the Rothmans Cup for keeps, by virtue of winning it on three consecutive times.

Heroes and Enemies of Africans

“It is important for us to learn who our friends are and who our enemies are and how to make the best use of both of them.” 

- John Henrik Clarke
Lawrence George Rowe was a magnificent timer at the crease.  Rowe was armed with a wide array of classical strokes. 

I am confident Frank Worrell is the primary influence on “Yagga” Rowe. It was said  Clyde Walcott and Everton Weekes tried desperately to beat the leather off the ball. Worrell was the touch batsman supreme. Worrell delighted in giving fielders the illusion of stopping the ball from crossing the boundary. Worrell  advocated tired legs cannot bat. Basil Butcher had an outrageous square drive. Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kallicharran were top class touch batsmen. 

I recall “Yagga” Rowe played an extremely late cut in the March 1974, test match at Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana, Alan Knott was appealing, The ball crossed the boundary.  

Roy Fredericks and Rowe had a first wicket stand of 126.  Rowe’s domination of the partnership was most remarkable. Roy Fredericks scored 32 runs off 92 balls at scoring rate 34.78

Greg Chappell’s presentation Fierce Focus made glowing observations on West Indies cricketers. 1973 -1980. 

Rayfield `Pepe' Beaton, and I are cousins.  `Pepe' Beaton was competing in 800m.  James Wren-Gilkes was expected to win  200m in 1976 Olympics.

Fidel Castro told me to move the GDF squad some 400 yards from the plane. I was in the GDF March 30, 1974 – November 15, 1977. I am aware GDF were in Cuba, I heard GDF were in  Angola.  

“We must control the politics and the politicians of our community. They must no longer take orders from outside forces. We will organize and sweep out of office all Negro politicians who are puppets for the outside forces.” - Malcolm X

Harry Oppenheimer was the handler of Nelson Mandela. I am saying  Harry Oppenheimer and Nicky Oppenheimer of De Beers. Nelson Mandela  is an enemy of melanin dominant humans. Blaise Compaoré, Mobutu Sese Seko, Paul Kagame, Yoweri Museveni, Monrovia Group - William Tubman,  Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Léopold Sédar Senghor  are also major enemies of our people. 

Me don't dip on nobody's side. Me don't dip on the black man's side, not the white man's side. Me dip on God's side, the one who create me and cause me to come from black and white. - Bob Marley

Bob Marley is no hero of mine. Bob Marley is a miscegenation. Miscegenation are often on the side of white oppressors. God is a concept. God is fantasy. There is no fence sitting in African cultural tradition.  

“The enemies of a people are those who keep them in ignorance.” - Thomas Sankara

Africans heroes during my life birthed home are;  Steve Biko, Amilcar Cabral, Cheikh Anta Diop, Olufela Anikulapo Kuti,  Patrice Lumumba, Samora Machel, Tom Mboya,  Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, John Okello, Pio Gama Pinto, Thomas Sankara, Robert Sobukwe, Sekou Touré, Dedan Kimathi Waciuri, 

Africans heroes of recent vintage - Abdourahamane Tchiani, Ibrahim Traore,  Assimi Goïta, Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Julius Malema, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba

I beg you to wake up. Don’t  be gullible.  Don’t offer your opinions.  Research and be educated to free our people under NATURE.

Once the enemy is defined, then the real war begins. Once the enemy is fully identified, there must be a commitment to defeating the enemy to the very end. Destroy the enemy or be destroyed by the enemy. No compromise, concession, or conciliation with the enemy. No way out. The masses of oppressed people should not yield one fraction of an inch to the advances of the enemy. “I have to step on the head of that snake every time it rises.” - Leonard Peltier

 #FreeAfrica

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Africa Suffering Because We Elect The 'Worst' To Lead Us – Lumumba

 

Seeking ancestors and relatives of Jacob Martin

 During the late 1950s  - April 1966 this researcher was aware of two enormously fat melanin dominant males were employed as cooks at the Colonial Hospital in New Amsterdam.

Fat James and another perhaps equally overweight male were a sight to behold mounted on their bicycles. Perhaps fat James resided at Pitt Street or Asylum or the street with Mission Chapel. It is tough to roll back the years accurately.

This researcher needs to understand whether he shares ancestral lineages with John Rollins, Fat James, the other cook and barber Austin. Love to link up with Holly Rollins. I last shared space and time with her  perhaps more than a decade ago on on New Lots Avenue in 11208.  How about Rozario, David Reddock and his sister Eunice who were resident at Alexander Street? 

This researcher needs to be enlightened.  

• Who are our MRCA?   
• Who do you recommend this researcher consult?                                 

  Mlilwana Osanku 

childrenofsancho@gmail.com  

Are you willing for us to explore and exhaust every avenue to ascertain the recent and prior common ancestors? 

I am convinced  my paternal grandfather, Jacob Stanley Martin, is somehow our common relative.  Are you familiar with your Martin relatives? If you are - what are their names and/or surnames? I am expecting 

Abraham, Anderson, Cummings, Dodson, Francis, Hamilton, James, Mann, Mitchell, Reddock, Sills, Small, Smith, Wade, and Woodruffe, to be among the relatives of Jacob Stanley Martin. 

Are you aware of our Martin relatives in West Demerara, Essequebo and Barbados?

Let's do genealogy networking.

• Samuel James,
• Jeliza Casandy James
•  Grace Helen Martin Williams, 
• Milton Martin
• Joy Martin
• Roses Martin
• Sonia Martin
• Shelly Martin
• Yolanda Martin

What are the names and/or surnames of your parents, grandparents and great-grand-parents and great-great-grand-parents? What are the names of the rural and other communities in which your ancestors and other relatives reside? 

I am particularly interested in the names of the ancestral villages as per the ancestors. This researcher needs to ascertain who our common ancestors and other relatives are.

M'Lilwana Osanku is soliciting information respecting the immediate relatives of  Marion 'Sissy' Martin. this information exhibit Marion 'Sissy' Martin resided at Pouderoyen. She has a son named Simeon King. He was birthed in 1898. Perhaps,  Marion 'Sissy' Martin and her King relatives and other relatives are DNA relatives of M'Lilwana Osanku, other Martin people linked to Hopetown, New Amsterdam, West Demerara and elsewhere in Guyana but also to Martin and Braithwaite and other groups in Barbados. .

M'Lilwana Osanku 

childrenofsancho@gmail.com 

Four Berbicians were included in the BG side to oppose the first Australian side

 Four Berbicians were included in the BG side to oppose the first Australian side

Kanhai and Butcher were batsmen of obvious promise

In common with other parts of the country, fans in the Ancient County took time off to express their pleasure as word got around that four, yes, four Berbicians were included in the British Guiana side to oppose the first Australian side to visit the Caribbean in 1955.

All over, the news was received with surprise, for even the most ardent supporters were not expecting more than three (Butcher, Kanhai and Madray), while it was more generally felt that only the first two named would be the favored ones. By their act, however, the BG selectors had tactilely admitted a fact that Bruce Pairaudeau, Glendon Gibbs and Clyde Walcott excluded, the best batsmen in what was then British Guiana are in the county.

As a schoolboy in short pants and barefooted then, my wish was for Butcher, Kanhai and (Charles) Paul to nail home this fact when facing the wiles of the Australians. Opening batsman Charles Paul-the first batsman to represent Berbice in inter-colonial cricket and uncle of Roy Fredericks-who had an indifferent outing against Trinidad was in good form, and he gave the selectors but one choice after his display in the inter-county trial match. Twenty-year-old right arm leg spinner Ivan Madray, whom the rains dwelt with so cruelly before the Barbados tour earlier in the year, was now being given his first big break.

The team which represented BG was: Bruce Pairaudea (Capt), Glendon Gibbs, Charles Paul, Clyde Walcott, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Clifford McWatt, Ivan Madray, Wilfred Edun, Pat Legall, Norman Wight, with Neville Thomas as emergency fieldsman.

Reminiscence is a doubtful pleasure of the ageing. Therefore, looking back some sixty years or so ago to see how well the four young Berbicians performed in the match may be constructed as something less than filial respect. Nevertheless, youth should not be denied, and so to the task.

Apart from the brilliant batting of Kanhai, Walcott and Butcher, the BG batsmen never really came to grips with the left-arm spinner Jack Hill, who twice routed the side for 177 and 165. Hill, with his leg-spin, was the most destructive bowler for the Australians, claiming five for 50 and secondly five for 15 in 16 overs of which nine were maidens. He ended with a match-analysis of 10 for 65. The Australians, using their second string attack, were able to get BG out twice within less than two days. Their shock attack failed to get going and it was the spinners who provided the major worry.

In BG’s first innings of 177, the talented Rohan Kanhai was the second top scorer with a dashing 51. Kanhai and Clyde Walcott 54 produced the best stand of the innings with 75 runs. Kanhai displayed a full range of attractive shots and an unremitting urge to use every one of them as often as possible. He was leg before to Hill, made his runs in 101 minutes with nine boundaries.

The elegant Basil Butcher failed to get among the runs and was caught behind off Davidson for 8. Charles Paul was unable to take the field for some time. His ailing father had died the previous day and he had to make a speedy dash to Blairmont. He returned, however to take his place on the field and the sacrifice was greatly appreciated by the crowd. Under the circumstances, one can very well understand Paul getting 19 runs, leg before to Hill.

Our fourth player, Ivan Madray, not much of an accomplished batsman, but yet no rabbit with the willow, played back to a good length ball and was bowled by Hill. Poor Madray had failed to score.

The Australians in their knock made a mammoth 476-7 declared, due primarily to a belligerent knock of 177 by hard-hitting batsman Peter Burge. He had also score the BG total being at the wicket for 259 minutes, a longer time than the home team’s innings lasted. He found the boundaries on 23 occasions and hit one six.

Leg spinner Ivan Madray was the most impressive of the BG bowlers, taking three wickets for 122 runs. Madray secured the wickets of the main scorers Peter Burge 177, Neil Harvey 58, and Ron Archer 56.

In BG’s second innings, it was Rohan Kanhai, the young Berbice batsman who showed his fellow Guyanese that the Australian bowling could be handled. He swished pace man Archer thrice in one over for boundaries, and reached his second quarter-century of the match. Kanhai was applauded for his courage.

Kanhai, so typical of the Berbice batsmen was intent of bringing on the sweep shot … and he paid dearly. He stepped down to play the stroke and missed. Len Maddocks, the wicket-keeper, appealed half-heartedly and the umpire at square – leg raised his finger. The decision seemed unfavorable, not even the bowler appealing.

So ended Kanhai’ stunning innings of 27 made in 47 minutes. He had hit four fours.

Basil Butcher was the batsman who delighted and certainly hit the ball with tremendous power. He seemed to have a half-century for the taking when his concentration lapsed and he was bowled by off-spinner Ian Johnson with a “beauty” for 46 in 108 minutes with five fours. Charles Paul was smartly stumped by Maddocks off Johnson for 1.

Many years later, Rohan Kanhai has written about this match in his book “Blasting for Runs” and he mentioned that he cross-batted the great Keith Miller … something Miller did not enjoy at all.

Kanhai recalls: “Keith Miller… got a bit upset at the way a green 19-year-old was making a fool of the cricket manuals during the Aussies triumphant tour of the West Indies back in 1955. “I was a relatively new boy in the British Guiana side that tackled the Aussies in Georgetown that day. Miller was bowling his big out swingers and I was clouting them regularly to the square leg boundary. Nobody told me that I shouldn’t do it – that I was committing a batsman’s biggest sin by hitting across the ball. Big Keith was completely flummoxed. He knew the answer to every trick in the book, but I wasn’t playing by the rules. The madder he got the more I innocently pulled him to the fence. I piled up a fair old 51.”

“At a party after the match, Basil, Ivan and I were together. Miller came up to me with a rueful grin, wagged an accusing finger and said: “The next time you play a shot like that, kid, you’ll be in trouble.” “Perhaps I should have taken his warning but I felt it was a pity to change when I was getting a few runs. And I haven’t changed, you know.”

The Australians did not return to Bourda until ten years later, by which time, much water had flowed under the bridge as far as Kanhai and Butcher were concerned.

We will focus next on how the two surviving members of the BG team fared!

Shan Razack <shanrazack@gmail.com>

Dec 9, 2017, 1:24 PM

CWI

 The realities are quite clear. Current West Indies cricket is spinners' friendly. The wickets are slow and more docile than Bourda ever was. Hence, the West Indians can't play fast bowling added to the fact west indies are historically poor performers against top class spinners. Shai Hope has been exposed against quality fast bowling. one hopes he recovers like Gordon Greenidge did after facing Lillee and Thomson in four innings. in fact, even Chris Gayle looked terrible. could Darren Bravo be the answer? I am with the following measures; lively up the wickets. all of the first class venues need to rival WACA cricket ground December 1975. No regional team allowed less than three fast bowlers and/or more than one spinner. No regional team allowed more than three players who have no opportunity to being selected in to the test team. Regional competition should not focus on winning. Regional competition must be about producing world dominating cricketers. Browne, Garner, Brathwaite and Holder must be dismissed immediately. Too many Barbadians on the under performing test team must be held against Browne, Garner, and Holder. Darren Bravo ought to be recalled and given the captaincy of the test team. This current regional four-day has shown any emerging fast bowlers. Guyana wins West Indies looses. No special talent save possibly, Shimron Hetmyer and Alzarri Joseph. Roach and Gabriel can't be West Indies front-line bowlers.

Jan 8, 2018, 3:48 PM