The Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited has once again cemented its role as a premier custodian of the nation’s sporting legacy by launching History of Cricket in Guyana, Volume III (1915–1923): No Silver Lining Yet.
Authored by distinguished historian Professor Clem Seecharan, the latest instalment was unveiled at a prestigious ceremony on Saturday at the historic Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, drawing dignitaries from government, academia, and the cricketing fraternity.
For Hand-in-Hand, this ongoing literary project is deeply intertwined with its own corporate identity.
Established in 1865, the company’s founding coincides precisely with the dawn of first-class cricket in Guyana, marked by Demerara hosting Barbados in the inaugural first-class match at Parade Ground.
This 160-year parallel elevates the company’s backing from standard corporate sponsorship to a profound institutional commitment to documenting a sport that evolved alongside the insurer itself.
The evening was deeply anchored in paying homage to the late Dr Ian McDonald, whose visionary passion originally catalysed the project.
Hand-in-Hand’s Chairman, John Carpenter, delivered a moving tribute, reflecting on McDonald’s enduring association with the company and his vital role in preserving the nation’s intellectual and sporting tapestry.
Guided by Master of Ceremonies and Hand-in-Hand Legal and Compliance Officer Paul Braam, the launch highlighted the synergy between the historic firm and the literary world.
Following an introduction by Hand-in-Hand Director Paul Chan-A-Sue, Professor Seecharan addressed the gathering.
He expressed immense gratitude to the company and the late Dr. McDonald for commissioning the series as part of Hand-in-Hand’s 150th-anniversary celebrations in 2015.
Emphasising the company’s long-term commitment to the archive, Seecharan revealed that research is already underway for a fourth and final volume.
He also reserved special praise for Hand-in-Hand’s Marketing Manager, Savita Singh, for her meticulous coordination of the launch.
The firm’s continued patronage of cricket scholarship was further applauded by the evening’s guest speakers. Introduced by Hand-in-Hand’s Managing Director, Omadatt Singh, veteran commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira delivered the feature address.
Perreira championed the depth of Seecharan’s work and urged the University of Guyana to integrate the nation’s cricket history into its academic curriculum.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., echoed these sentiments, noting that safeguarding these historical records is vital for sustaining the shared identity and national pride inspired by the game.
Volumes I, II, and III are currently available for purchase at Hand-in-Hand’s Head Office on the Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown. (PRESS RELEASE)
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
