Legendary Commentator Reds Perriera Honored

Reds Perreira (left) being interviewed by eight year-old Matthew Achaibar at Atlantis CC’s 50th Anniversary “Gaffin’ bout cricket wid Reds” event.

By Sam Sooppersaud
For nearly half a century the name Reds Perriera has been a fixture in the minds of cricket players and cricket fans in the West Indies. He was known for his plainness, his simplicity, but most of all, his “call it like he sees it” attitude, whether it was in the commentary box, the boardroom, or with simple man in the street conversations.  He was not one to not voice his opinion if he feels that things were not being done in the way they should.

He has reigned in the box over generations of cricketers. He was always ready to offer his help, his expertise to the younger players: even the seasoned veterans of the game would “pick his brain”. In his time he commentated, and wrote, on Tests and ODI’s. Twenty20 was not yet “invented”. He is known not only in the Caribbean, but is an international legend.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Atlantis Cricket Club – NY and the club has been celebrating its Golden Jubilee with various activities. On the night of Friday, August 12, 2016, as part of its anniversary celebrations, Atlantis Cricket Club – NY honored the legend Reds, as he is known, at a dinner and “meet the fans” affair at the Royal Empress Hall, on Rockaway Boulevard, Queens, New York. Cricket fans got the opportunity to interact with Reds and share their experiences. The affair was a success.

On Saturday, August 13, Reds Perriera was a Guest of Honor at the 26th Annual Indo-Caribbean Federation Trophy Game. It featured a Guyana squad taking on an Invitational Xl.  The Invitational Xl won the game on the last ball of the day. It was an exciting match. The hundreds of fans who turned out to watch the game were not disappointed.

During half time, and in between innings, Reds Perriera was honored by some of the former Guyana National players whom he had assisted in their playing days.  On stage with Reds and presenting a plaque to him were former Guyana National players, Tyronne Etwaroo, Ray Joseph, and Sew Shivnarine. Of those present, Shiv was the only one who went on to represent the West Indies.

Derek Kallicharran came for the occasion, but due to an emergency in the family, he had to leave before the commencement of the ceremony. The wording of the plaque recounted Reds’ work and his dedication over the nearly 50 years he has given to the game of cricket.

In reply to the numerous accolades paid him by various speakers, Reds simply said that he had enjoyed his time in cricket, as a commentator, journalist, and sometime “coach to the younger players”. He made specific mention of eight year-old Matthew Achaibar, who was one of the commentators at the ICF game. Reds said that he was very impressed with the youngster’s knowledge of the game, and his ability to “call ball and strikes”. He went so far as to state that he has never seen someone as young as Matthew so involved in the game, and with so much knowledge of the game. He encouraged the broadcasting protégé to continue in his hobby as a cricket commentator.

Reds Perreira (left) being interviewed by eight year-old Matthew Achaibar at Atlantis CC’s 50th Anniversary “Gaffin’ bout cricket wid Reds” event.