The Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) month-long celebration of its 80th anniversary was last Friday launched in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association.
President Hilbert Foster launched the celebration by donating a G$20,000 bicycle to 11-year-old Alina Sinclair, a promising junior female cricketer from the Upper Corentyne area.
Foster stated that the celebration would be held under the theme, ‘Reflection of a rich legacy – 80 not out’, and the majority of the activities would focus on educating youths on the history of Berbice cricket and in making positive differences in the lives of less fortunate cricketers and clubs.
The President stated that there are many youths who have great cricketing skills but are unable to fulfill them due to extreme poverty and as such that BCB would work along with them to make sure that no one is left behind.
He advised Sinclair to take proper care of the bicycle and to stay in school to complete her educational background. For 2019, Foster has assisted dozens of junior cricketers with cycles as part of a countywide campaign to assist them to get to school and cricket practice in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Guyana and West Indies players Devendra Bishoo and Anthony Bramble have contributed financially towards the upgrading of the BCB’s Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, based office. The restoration of the office is one of the main projects for the 80th Anniversary and Foster is personally spearheading it.
The office would be upgraded with the floor tiled, the roof sealed and new furniture and equipment installed.
“The office currently leaves much to be desired and Foster stated that its restoration when completed would result in better services to the general public and cricketers,” a release from the BCB stated.
The BCB is also working to become self-reliant in an effort to reduce operating cost. Among the items the Board is working on are covers for pitches, computer, printing machine, large water container, television set, Sound System, water dispenser among others.
On Friday last, Bishoo, the leading wicket-taker at the Test level for any Berbician, handed over a 32-inch television set to BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, while West Indies T20 selectee Bramble donated a $30,000 water dispenser to the project. A popular Berbice Attorney-at-Law also donated a mobile water cart.
The cart would be used at BCB finals to provide refreshments for players.
“The Board has not received any financial Subvention/Stipend from the Guyana Cricket Board for over a decade and Foster stated it has been a miracle, that Berbice Cricket has not only survived but excelled at all levels,” the BCB release added.
