Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); Berbice Cricket Board (BCB); The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and Albion Community Center Cricket Club (ACCC) have expressed their sympathy at the passing of Pretipaul Jaigobin, recently elected Treasurer of the GCB and who served as Economic Advisor and Financial Analyst, attached to the Ministry of Finance.
Below is the joint message from the GCB and DCB:
It was with deep sadness that the staff and Executives of the recently elected Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) learned of the vehicle accident on Thursday, April 1, 2021 that resulted in the tragic death of Pretipaul Jaigobin, Treasurer of both Boards.
It was reported that Pretipaul was traveling from Mahdia to the Ministry of Finance after completing the COVID-19 assignment when the accident occurred. He was an Economic and Financial Analyst of the European Union Task Force Unit in that Ministry.
Jai, as he was popular, was liked and respected; his ingenuity, humility, and sense of humor were destined for many. Pretipaul had been an active and trusted cricket administrator for over 20 years with extensive knowledge of the game, especially in relation to cricket records and statistics.
His contributions to the discussions and decisions at cricket meetings, especially on financial matters and effective governance were invaluable. Jai had a special affinity for youth cricket. His professional approach helped to stimulate positive action in cricket administration. He was constantly looking at ways to improve the accounting and marketing procedures.
In the past he served on the GCB as the Assistant Treasurer during the period 2009 to 2011. In May 2011, shortly after a particularly turbulent meeting of the GCB Executive Committee, he was badly burned with acid by an unknown assailant and spent 42 days in the Georgetown Hospital.
Jai was a stalwart and made a tremendous contribution during the long struggle for accountability and legality in the GCB and DCB. In February this year, he was elected Treasurer of the DCB at that Board’s court-supervised elections.
On March 29, 2021, he was elected Treasurer of the GCB at the elections convened by the Cricket Ombudsman pursuant to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, No. 14 of 2014. It is unfortunately unfortunate that Jai died shortly after execution so much after that. prolonged combat.
The passing of Pretipaul is a tremendous loss to the wider cricket fraternity. It is with heartfelt grief that the GCB and DCB Executives and staff members extend sincere condolences to his family, relatives and friends. Make sure our thoughts and prayers are with you at the time of the bereavement.
Below is the statement from BCB President and GCB Vice President Hilbert Foster:
He was the last person I spoke to as we left the election venue last Monday. His last words would always remind me; “Travel safely my friend, we have so much to do.” If I had known those would be my last words, I would have stayed a little longer with you and cherished your presence a little longer. Losing you just after your dream is fulfilled, Jai, is very difficult and my knees felt weak when our President told me of your death.
I have a strong faith in God, but for a few seconds I wondered why he took you away so soon when the journey had just begun. I guess he wants a special angel in heaven to lead the process and watch over us.
It was a privilege to know you. On Sunday, we talked a long time before and after the elections. You had so many ideals to share with us and your input to our first executive meeting revealed thoughtful, progressive thinking.
You suffered the most but despite your injuries. you never showed one passion for revenge. Rest in peace, my friend, and watch down on us as we seek to achieve your vision for Guyana cricket. You died while working for our country and the less fortunate.
On behalf of all of you who left behind so soon, I want to assure you that we would work hard to make Guyana cricket rise again and we would make sure your memory lives on ever.
Thank you for the privilege of being a friend and we would all try to be role models for your children in your absence. On behalf of Rose Hall Youth and Town Sports Club and Berbice Cricket Board, I would like to express our condolences to his wife, children and family. Secure our love, friendship and support during these difficult times. May the souls of Pretipaul Jaigobin rest in peace and rise in eternal glory with God.
The President, executives and members of the Albion Community Center Cricket Club also expressed their deep sadness at the tragic death of Jaigobin, calling his passing deeply regrettable.
“…. we at Albion Community Center Cricket Club would like to express our sincere condolences to his family, other relatives, President and Executives of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Ministry of Finance. Although death is inevitable, it is never easy to lose a loved one; however, we must reassure ourselves that God knows best and adjusts our minds to embrace such a situation.
We pray that God will comfort his family and loved ones during these difficult times and that his soul will Rest in Peace. ”
