Hooper, Walsh honoured by Mayor and City Council


Guyana Chronicle
March 16, 2001

NEW West Indies captain Carl Hooper and Test cricket's highest wicket-taker Courtney Walsh were honoured on Tuesday night at a Civic Reception, held in the Concert Hall, City Hall, Georgetown by the Mayor and councillors of the city.

Hooper, who led the West Indies in the drawn first Cable & Wireless against South Africa, which ended at Bourda on Tuesday, was presented with a gold medal by Mayor Hamilton Green, while Walsh who also received a gift and a wood carving of himself, was granted Honorary Citizenship of Georgetown.

Hooper also collected a gift from First Lady Varshnie Jagdeo on behalf of his wife while Carol Ann Lynch handed over US$1 000 to the batting stylist and three T-shirts for himself, wife and son, compliments of Hutson Trading.

Responding to the kudos from the Mayor, Hooper said it was a privilege and honour to be recognised for the hard work over the years. He also thanked the Mayor and councillors for seeing it fit to hold the impressive function.

Speaking of Walsh, the Mayor said the Jamaican was born when West Indies cricket was on top and this might have been responsible for his phenomenal rise.

In handing over the wooden carving, made by a local sculptor, Green told Walsh to treasure it from the people of Guyana who love him so much.

In his thank-you, Walsh said it was a special honour for him and he was mindful of the encouragement, not only from the organisers but also from his team members.

The world record-holder said his main aim was to get West Indies cricket back at the top where it belongs, in the not too distant future. He also wants to end his career on a winning note, with a victory over South Africa in the five-match Test series.

Walsh was also conferred with the Honorary Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) by President Bharrat Jagdeo at a special Investiture Ceremony, held in the Credentials Room of the Office of the President on Monday.

Tuesday night's Civic Reception was chaired by Ron Robinson while the Vote of Thanks was moved by Ronald `Rocky' Mann.