Clubs, umpires receive COVID-19 protective equipment from BCB
“This cricket board is fully committed to the overall welfare of our young players, on and off the cricket field, and we not only talk the talk, but we’re also prepared to walk the walk. We are aware of the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic and as such we want to protect our players as much as possible.”
Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President, Hilbert Foster, at a special presentation of COVID-19 protective items to representatives of over 20 clubs with junior sections.
The donation was a G$220,000 investment by the BCB and was made possible through donations from the Office of the Prime Minister, former Inter-county player Ishwar Singh and the RHTY&SC, MS.
The BCB President stated that the board is preparing to start its 2021 junior cricket tournaments at the Under-13, 15, 17 and 19 levels and as such was working overtime to make sure that it plays its part of making sure that every player and official is properly protected during the ongoing pandemic.
The BCB and the RHTY&SC, MS, have already published a COVID-19 educational poster, which has been widely distributed to clubs across Berbice. Clubs have also benefitted from donations of food hampers for less fortunate members.
At the recent presentation, representatives of the clubs received 200 face masks, 15 face shields and bottles of hand sanitisers with the commitment of more to come as the board is able to obtain sponsorship.
Among the clubs that received the items were Line Path CC, Rama Krishna Academy, Scottsburg CC, Number 72 Cut and Load, Number 73 CC, Port Mourant CC, Albion, Young Warriors CC, Tucber Park CC, Rose Hall Canje, Edinburg, Blairmont, Bush Lot Rising Star, Achievers, Guymine and East Bank Blazers.
The President announced that all junior players would be required to wear a mask off the field along with a face shield, while they would also be required to sanitise their hands regularly.
Clubs would shortly receive in writing the rules they are expected to follow for their own safety.
The board also handed over 500 face masks and a set of face shields to the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association as part of its continued assistance to umpires.
President of the Association, Joseph Simon, expressed his appreciation to the BCB and hailed the outstanding work of the Foster administration over the last three years to lift Berbice cricket even higher.
BCB Secretary Angela Haniff expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Ishwar Singh for their investment into Berbice cricket and urged the clubs to make sure that the items are used for the intended purpose.