Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM
Latest News
Overseas based Guyanese donate pavilion in memory of Wilbur Hope
A side view of the Wilbur (Hopey) Hope memorial Pavilion
Samuel Whyte
The late Wilbur Hope, popular known as ‘Hopey’ during his hey day was an ardent sportsman who participated in numerous sporting activities, even going on to represent Guyana in at least two sporting disciplines and also contributed tremendously in sports, community and youth development in the New Amsterdam/ Canje area specifically and Guyana at large.
Recently the family of the late ball weaver who died in 2001 age 33 recently returned to Guyana and oversaw the completion and handed over a Pavilion which was constructed in the Tucber Park ball field in honour and memory of his 10th death anniversary.
Hope a former Resident of Tucber Park in New Amsterdam, participated in competitive Football, both hard and softball Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Table Tennis and Volleyball.
Although it might appear that football was his first choice, it was difficulty to conclude as he was an active participant in all the games at school, club and village or Inter county levels and numerous Guyana and Inter Guiana games activities.
‘Hopey’ who suffered from an acute Heart condition, went on to represent Guyana in football and athletics.
He played most of his football for the Arsenals football club in the midfield position and represented Guyana at the U-19 level both at home and abroad in games in Trinidad, Barbados, Suriname and Canada among other places. He was also a regular member of the Berbice Senior football teams for a number of years.
In athletics his pet distances were the 400m and 800m and he once held the National school record over the 800m distance.
In the athletics field he participated in the Inter Guiana games. ‘Hopey’ was also a well established cricketer and well recognized all rounder.
Hope's sister Sandrine (centre) pose with other family members in front of the newly constructed structure.
He represented clubs such as Transport Sports Club and Bermine Cricket club among others. A front line batsman and a top flight off spinner, he went on to play for Berbice.
His Basketball, Table Tennis and Volleyball exploits were mostly at the school, club and Village level. On numerous occasion he would have to juggle between venues to compete in different games be it football, cricket, Athletics, Basketball etc.
When he realized he had a serious heart aliment he did not give up participating, but curtailed his activities and turned to management, officiating and coaching all with success.
He first turned to refereeing and then coaching, becoming fully qualified in both fields. When acute fatigue would step in and he had to give up refereeing, he concentrated on coaching and went on the coach numerous Berbice teams.
A former student of the Berbice High School, he secured several CXC subjects. In the world of work, Hope reached the high of supervisor at the Transport and Harbours Department.
A father of two, Hope subsequently migrated and continued in the same vein while overseas.
He also sought treatment for his troublesome heart problem. However he succumbed to the illness in 2001 at age 33.
Hope one time good friend and former national footballer Sherwin Forde and Patrick Pestano oversaw the construction of the structure.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Guyana recorded over 10 000 dengue cases in 2024
Kaieteur News- Guyana recorded just over 10,000 dengue cases in 2024, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony revealed during an... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
