Minister Collin Croal inducted as Honorary Patron of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club

Minister of Housing Collin Croal was officially inducted as the Honorary Patron of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) last Saturday.

The induction took place at the St. Francis Community Developers Meeting Hall, attended by a diverse gathering of club members, awardees, and high-ranking officials, including Rose Hall Town Mayor Dave Budhu and Town Clerk Natasha Griffith.

During the ceremony, Club Secretary Hilbert Foster provided a comprehensive overview of the club’s journey since its founding in September 1990 by the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club.

Foster highlighted the RHTYSC’s evolution from a small community group into Guyana’s most dynamic youth organisation.

Over its 36-year history, the club has achieved staggering success:

• Player Production: 132 players for Berbice, 76 for Guyana, and 14 for the West Indies/USA (including 3 Test and 11 ODI players).
• Tournament Wins: A combined 132 junior and senior titles, including three national titles (2004, 2005, 2009).
• Community Impact: Execution of hundreds of annual activities spanning sports, education, and charity.

Secretary Foster noted that the club continues to produce elite talent, citing current West Indies players such as Kevin Sinclair and Shemaine Campbelle, as well as rising stars such as Daniella Manns and Leon Reddy.

As the new Honorary Patron, Minister Croal joins an elite list of predecessors, including former Presidents of Guyana Hugh Desmond Hoyte, David Granger, June Mendes of Farfan and Mendes, Beverley Harper of Ansa McAl and Peter Ramsaroop of Go-Invest.

His responsibilities will include acting as the public face of the RHTYSC, providing “Patron’s Remarks” for publications, and serving as a role model and counsellor for the youth members.

Mayor Dave Budhu and Town Clerk Natasha Griffith both hailed the appointment, noting that the Minister’s leadership would be an asset to a club that serves as a vital alternative to “life on the road” for local youth.

The induction was performed by West Indies Under-19 female player Daniella Manns, while West Indies Test cricketer Kevlon Anderson presented the Minister with his official club uniform and a special commemorative gift.

In his inaugural address, Minister Croal expressed his pride in accepting the role. He pledged his full commitment to working with the club’s management to ensure Rose Hall continues to be a factory for Guyanese and West Indian cricketing talent. He emphasized that for the next generation to succeed, they must embrace “discipline, dedication, and the value of hard work.”

The ceremony concluded with a call for members to unite and maintain the rich legacy of the only cricket club in Guyana to have ever received a national award. (Modified Press Release from RHTY&SC)