Dependable and experienced West Indies and Guyana middle-order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been named cricketer of the year by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and will receive the Clive Lloyd trophy. The left-hander is also in line to collect the Rohan Kanhai trophy for being the batsman of the year. Chanderpaul is currently on duty with the West Indies team in South Africa.

Other awards to be given out at the GCB's annual awards ceremony tonight, include team of the year - North Essequibo, bowler of the year - Mahendra Nagamootoo and most improved player Zamal Khan.

Individual awards will be given to Professor Aubrey Bishop for outstanding service to cricket as a player and an administrator; Norman McLean and Alfred Abdool for contributing to the development of cricket in Guyana as players and administrators; Harnarine Tiwari for long and distinguished service as a cricket administrator; Bharrat Gokhul for outstanding service to cricket as a scorer; Seelochan Singh aka 'Bungar' for service rendered to cricket as a curator; John Bart for service rendered as a supporter and friend of cricket.

The Guysuco trophy will be awarded to Assad Fudadin who made the highest individual score (127) in the regional under-19 competition. Fudadin will also collect the Jairam Petam trophy after he was adjudged the most valuable player.

Special recognition will be given to the Guyana 2003 Red Stripe Bowl team, Guyana's women cricketers Candacy Atkins and Indomattie Goordial - selected for the 2003 Women's World Cup team and Leon Johnson - for scoring a century (149) on debut at inter-county cricket.

Corporate and venue awards will be given to the Hand-In-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company Ltd for contributing to the development of cricket through continued sponsorship; Imam Bacchus and Sons and Wales Community Centre ground (cricket venues) for contributing to the development of cricket in Guyana.

Awardees and guests are requested to be seated by 7.15 pm for the ceremony, which will be held at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal Greater Georgetown.