'Reds' to Unplug Microphone
Mon, Jun 7, '04
Veteran cricket commentator Joseph 'Reds' Perreira says the 2005 home season will be his last as a cricket commentator for International matches.
Perreira, who made his announcement at Sabina Park during the season-ending 2nd Test match against Bangladesh, has been in recent times passed over by Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) who have exclusive rights for radio broadcasts.
According to Perreira, it is not a case of sour grapes as a result of being used less frequently in favour of other commentators. "I understand them [CMC] wanting to groom people for the future, but I am concerned about the process, about the transparency. One needs to look at the democracy of the process, of the conspiracy of the process".
The Guyanese-born commentator was referring to the situation during the Bangladesh series, when he was in St Lucia, where he now resides, and CMC brought in other commentators to work the Test match.
Having been fortunate to commentate on over 150 test matches all over the world, Perreira feels that the grooming process must include more experienced radio journalists. His experience dates back to 1959/60 when he called a match between the then British Guiana and Trinidad at Berbice. His first Test match was in 1971 when India toured the Caribbean. He, along with other noted commentators such as Roy Lawrence, Tony Cozier and the late Hugh Crosskill Jr., took cricket commentary to a level comparable with the highest international standards.
Now, it has been said that the quality of commentary heard on CMC has been inconsistent especially during local First Class games and Test/ODI matches involving lower ranked teams. 'Reds' feels that station managers around the region are not listening as much as they should, to be able to assess the performance of the commentators. "Nobody is really listening, really monitoring" said Perreira.
He further added that when CMC was given broadcast rights, it was to improve the level of commentary. "That has not been so", Perreira said.
According to 'Reds', it is not an easy decision to walk away. "I cherish the opportunities given to me by the stations. But the limited use of me over the last year means that it's time to walk away, walk away with pride. Radio is still a very important medium for people in the Caribbean. I would hate to think that it is because I am slightly older".
The voice of Joseph 'Reds' Perreira may not disappear from radio commentary altogether when he does his final International game next year. He will consider doing the regional games and by doing so, hope to help the less experienced commentators to grow into being good commentators of which the region can be proud.
