Three G’s of sports in SVG honoured

Coreas Hazells Inc has recognized and rewarded the three ‘Gs’ of sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Last Saturday, Coreas honoured former national footballer Guy Lowe, sportswoman Genita Lewis and cricketer ‘Gunny’ Hinds, whose real name is Stanley.{{more}}

They were recognized during the opening ceremony of the company’s third pharmacy, located on the ground floor of Coreas Hazells’ head office in the Porter’s Wharf building on Bay Street.

At the ceremony, the three were informed by chief executive officer (CEO) of Coreas Hazells Joel Providence that apart from being presented with plaques of honour, the company has opened at Coreas, special accounts for each of them, valued at $2,500.

Providence explained that the three are free to spend this sum of money at any time, at any one of Coreas’ stores, whether Ace Hardware Kingstown, Ace 2 at Arnos Vale, Coreas Auto, Coreas Lumber, Coreas Tile Centre, Diamond Woods or at any one of the pharmacies (City Store, Pharmacy 2 at Arnos Vale or Coreas Pharmacy Downtown).

In addition, Genita, Guy and Gunny have been promised $1,000 each year for the rest of their lives, for the purpose of buying health supplements or prescription drugs for their personal and singular use, from any one of Coreas’ pharmacies. This programme will begin on October 1, 2016.

Speaking to the former athletes, Providence said that he was proud to lead the celebration of their exploits. “I derived great pleasure in witnessing Guy Lowe’s prowess on the football field, most times with speed and ball mastery down the right flank, threatening always the security and peace of mind of the opposing defence and goalkeeper, whether representing the national team in the 70s and 80s or playing for the bullying local team Roseans,” said Providence.

In relation to Genita, Providence said, “I have seen Genita engaged in field events on quite a few occasions at sports meets or just simply training. I have always admired her tenacity and disciplined approach to a field of endeavour not usually attractive to young women after their school days are over. The fact that she is still involved in athletics today speaks volumes of the character of this exemplary Vincentian.”

Providence said of Gunny, “… He has always been a fierce competitor, whether on the cricket or football field. So purposeful and focused that I always regarded him as a goal mouth loafer, holding one aim, to hit the back of the net with a powerful strike of the ball”, said Providence.

The CEO said that he established a close working association with Gunny back in 1988, when Gunny (supported by ECGC) began a long and outstanding career as a coach and motivator of young Vincentian cricketers, some of whom have gone on to represent SVG.

Providence said the awards were being presented as an appreciation of the contribution of the three to sports and sports development in St Vincent and the Grenadines and beyond, and because of his company’s “declared commitment to recognize the exploits of outstanding former national athletes in all sporting disciplines.”

Providence said that the Coreas will look at expanding the number of honourees in the future with the consideration and input of the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Council, national sporting associations and individuals, such as one of SVG’s greatest sporting icons, Michael Findlay.

Providence said that Findlay is himself deserving of the highest honour that this nation could bestow on a national.

He stressed that if this country were to create a Hall of Fame for sports, Findlay would be the very first entrant.

Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil ‘Ces’ McKie said that he was happy to see the recognition of who he thinks are outstanding Vincentians who have delivered on and off the field of play.

The plaques were presented by McKie, while Coreas’ financial

controller and chair of Coreas Pharmacy Council Kevin Dickson looked on.(LC)