April 8, 2000

The Russell Sage School in Forest Hills, New York, added another chapter to its glorious history when ICC Cricket Ambassador and player extraordinaire, Mr. Michael “Whispering Death” Holding visited the school on Friday last. In a stellar performance reminiscent of his glory days of West Indies cricket, the fast bowling legend held the students spell bounded as he explained cricket, glorious cricket and talked of his career and his love and passion for the game. It was the first time that the game of cricket was introduced to school children in New York and the response, according to Ambassador Holding, was overwhelming. Ambassador Holding was in New York as part of an initiative by the ICC to spread the gospel of the gentleman's game to the non-traditional cricket playing countries of the world during the week of April 2-9, designated as International Cricket Week. But this once in a lifetime opportunity almost did not materialize because USACA was unable to secure a school for Mr. Holding to speak. But at the midnight hour, the NY Cricket Region sought the help of Mr. Sham Samaroo, a teacher at the Russell Sage school who had started a recreational cricket program there. Mr. Samaroo was invited to a meeting with members of the NY Cricket Region. Among those in attendance were Krish Persaud, Selwyn Caesar, Vish Lekhram, and Lesly Lowe. Mr. Samaroo was asked if it was possible for him to make the necessary arrangements for his school to host Mr. Holding as a guest speaker. There was one caveat, though; they needed the school for Friday, a mere two days later. Sham Samaroo won approval from the school administration; planned; and successfully hosted Ambassador Holding. 

By the end of the second day, the day prior to Ambassador Holding's visit, the talk among the students was: ‘Whispering Death is coming; Whispering Death is coming!!’ On Friday, an enthusiastic and largely non-cricketing audience of over 600 students welcomed Mr. Holding with banners screaming “Whispering Death” across the auditorium walls. The students were treated to a short clip, courtesy of Mr. Lesly Lowe, President of the Commonwealth Cricket League, of Holding’s match-winning performance at the Oval in England in 1976. Later, Mr. Holding spoke to the children about his love for the wonderful game, and its role in promoting peace, understanding, and friendship amongst the peoples of the world.  He told them that, unlike other American sports that are played primarily in the United States, cricket affords us the unique opportunity to visit different countries around the world.  This, he said, enables one to learn of the lives and cultures of different peoples of the world; and enhances opportunities for peace and goodwill among all nations. Afterwards Mr. Holding and members of the New York Cricket Region were invited to a light lunch with school officials, principal Mulnick, assistant principals Althea Tyson and Kathleen Ponze, Sham Samaroo, and Bernie Cuadra, SPINS coordinator. Ms. Ponze, took the opportunity to inquire about the possibility of starting a cricket program at the school. The members of the NY Cricket Region welcomed the suggestion and promised to implement a program at the school the following year.