Metropolitan Cricket Club

d philosophies embodied in MCC were hatched in his living room. Sir Conrad, had been President of the Atlanta Georgia Cricket Association(AGCA) and his vision along with the other founding members was to use the MCC to promote not only Caribbean togetherness but to also include cricketers and non-cricketing members from throughout the world. In 1996, I became president of MCC with the full endorsement of Sir Conrad, as the other founding fathers had embarked on professional activities. Under my leadership, we recruited members from most Caribbean islands and also had players from other countries. A new constitution was adopted and our first Awards Presentation was held at the Prestige Restaurant and Social Club, formerly located on Memorial Drive. MCC played host to cricket teams from New York and Florida and also visited these states to play establishing lasting relationships. MCC was well on its way as a well organized club and took the shape envisioned by our founders. Darcy King succeeded me as President and the club continued its growth. We were fortunate to have a meeting place at the residence of former member and President Mr. Jeff Forde at Rowland Road and this led to the club meeting regularly on Friday nights and its continued participation, in the growth of cricket in Georgia. In 2000, after an extensive search, I was elated to secure the grounds at the then Best Friend Alternative School, located at Mary Dell Road as our homefield. In the meantime Mr. Jeffrey Forde succeeded Mr. Darcy King as President and he in turn was succeeded by Mr. Walter Blackman. Patrick Linton became President after Mr. Blackman and in 2007; Ms. Anne Jones became the first female President. Carl Lovell became President in 2010 and the club leased its first Club house at Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. As I reflect on the journey that has brought us to this milestone 21st anniversary, I am proud to witness that the vision of our founding fathers has been kept alive and MCC is going from strength. Sir Conrad saw himself as an international citizen and I am certain that he would be very proud of the manner in which the club has grown and the professional manner in which the current officers are conducting the affairs of our great MCC. It is imperative that the Officers continue to conduct the affairs of the club in a dignified manner. Under the current dynamic leadership of Mr. Carl Lovell we have developed the theme “Members Cricket Community”. I also endorse the theme for our 21st Anniversary Celebrations: MCC, Celebrating 21 Years of Excellence – Caribbean Community Outreach 2011” I am more than privileged that I was invited to sit on the committee planning these activities. We won the championship in 1997, and although because of rebuilding and the limited amount of players available in Georgia, we have not been at our strongest cricket wise we have nevertheless been very good custodians of the dream of all our founding fathers. However what gives me great pleasure is that the current Executive and the one before it, have spared no effort in ensuring that longstanding members such as Mr. Oriel Mascoll, (President’s Award Recipient 2010) and Ms.Denise Griffith, who was given the honour of officially opening our new clubhouse, have been given the due respect and recognition they richly deserve. On visiting our clubhouse, my heart beams with joy, as I interact with members from throughout the Caribbean and the United States. I myself have been humbled by the courtesies extended to me and the fact that I am consulted on all developments. Recent efforts, including the building of relationships with other Caribbean organizations, and the rapidly increasing membership mean that MCC’s future is now assured. I wish you all a great 21st Anniversary celebrations and I am certain that the families of Sir Conrad,(Barbados) Mr. James Ram,(India) Mr. Clyde Stafford Smith (England) and Mr. John Kennedy (Guyana), will be equally pleased in knowing that we have kept their vision and legacy intact.