Umpire Baksh Passes on in Queens

Apr 16, 2025 Letters

Dear editor,

It is with sadness that I learn about the passing of the famous umpire Baksh. The funeral is on Wednesday.

Nannie Baksh, or Umpire Baksh or Teacher Baksh, as he was called, passed away on Sunday night after a fall at home. He succumbed to his injury.

A tribute and wake was held at the Al Rahman Masjid, Queens Village, Monday night. The prayer hall was packed with Guyanese of all faiths, including Swami Aksharananda, Pandits, imams, and pastors. Many paid tribute, describing him as good-natured, humorous, warm, highly respected, humble, down to earth, among other glowing adjectives. As Dr. Tara Singh stated in an invited comment, “Baksh was always respected and cherished for his grace, amiability and politeness”.

He served as a true inspiration to youngsters pursuing education and to the cricketing fraternity. He felt no one should stop learning, and he did his best to train students at a young age.

Baksh was passionate about cricket from childhood. In cricket, he was known for fair, balanced, neutral umpiring. He was one of the most respected personalities of the cricketing arena, known for his honesty and straightforwardness. Those of us who know him recall that he possessed an outstanding memory of past cricket events – his vast experience in local, Shell Shield and Test matches and encyclopaedic knowledge of cricket made him stand out as one of the best cricketing umpires from Guyana. Guyanese of all ethnicities were proud of his achievements. He was a role model for Indians.

Baksh was also an outstanding educator and family man. He was highly revered. Those who followed cricket knew him well, and students respected his educating skills. He produced some of the best Common Entrance students. He taught in several schools in Guyana to share his knowledge. But he was better known as a national and international cricket umpire.

He was born in Good Hope Canal No. 1 Polder. He was educated at the famous Gillivary CM School, where his schoolmates were Major Joe Singh, Asgar Ally (former Senior Minister of Finance), Professor Ramnarine, Pt. Narinedat Seodat, Dr. Tara Singh, among others. He was known for his humility, a wonderful gentleman on and off the field, honest, forthright, and warm-hearted. His simplicity and humility shone, and his former students thank him for their successes in Guyana and in America.

In New York, he taught for several years at a denominational school until his retirement. He was a proud son of Guyana and travelled yearly to his homeland.

He will be remembered for services to cricket, education, hard work, and his faith. May his soul rest in peace.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram

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