National Award ‘dwarfs’ other accolades says Johnson

Guyana’s current cricket captain Leon Rayon Johnson said yesterday that he felt humbled to receive the national award, the Golden Arrow of Achievement noting this accolade “dwarfs” the others.

In an invited comment by Stabroek Sport, the 31-year-old stated “I’m very honoured to receive this prestigious award, I have won many awards during my career but this one surely dwarfs the others.”

The captain was listed among a number of reputable citizens recognized by David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of the 49th Republic Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and have been identified to receive national awards later in the year.

Johnson joined an esteemed group of cricketers to receive national awards including Clive Lloyd (Order of Roraima), Rohan Kanhai ( Cacique’s Crown of Honour), Lance Gibbs (Cacique’s Crown of Honour), Shivnarine Chanderpaul ( Cacique’s Crown of Honour) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (Medal of Service).

“[I’m] elated that the powers that be have chosen me for this award,” Johnson said. The father of three has maintained his place in a Guyana set up since debuting at the Under-15 level. Johnson made his First Class Debut at 16 years old and went on to captain West Indies at the 2005-2006 International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup.

Johnson has played 107 First Class matches scoring 5621 runs at an average of 32 with five centuries and 36 fifties. At List A level, the captain has managed 1671 runs from 67 matches.

The left-handed batsman is noted as one of the Caribbean’s best leaders in the game currently and recognised for leading the Guyana Jaguars to four consecutive titles at the Cricket West Indies Regional Four-Day Championships while closing in on a record setting, fifth title in a row.

“I’ve been privileged to represent Guyana and both the youth and senior level. I’ve always represented Guyana with pride and passion,” the Guyana captain noted.

Johnson has made his debut for West Indies at 20- years-old and played six One Day Internationals while going on to make his Test Debut in 2014, effectively becoming the 300th player to represent West Indies in the longer format during their 500th Test. He played nine Tests with two half centuries.