“WE at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are very proud of you and your success and it is our hope that Berbice with your support would continue to dominate cricket in Guyana. The most important advice I want to share with you is that we must not be satisfied with success in 2009 but that we must work harder and be more committed in 2010 so that we remain the best”.

Those were the words of president of the BCB Keith Foster, to members of both the Berbice Under-19 and Senior teams at a specially arranged luncheon held at the Annex Restaurant in Rose Hall Town, to honour the achievements of both teams in 2009.

The luncheon and presentation ceremony was organised by the Board’s Special Events Committee whose chairman Hilbert Foster updated the large gathering of players, officials and supporters of the progress of the BCB during the past year.

The president also outlined his vision for the Berbice Cricket Board in 2010 and stated that cricket would be played at all levels, more coaching would be done at the junior levels while several more exciting off-the-field programmes and projects would be launched during the year as the Berbice Cricket Board aims to become more than just an organiser of cricket.

Fourteen cricket tournaments were organised by the board during the year while off the field, over 50 programmes were organised under the sub-headings of Education, Social and Public Relations, Charity, Tribute to Heroes and Coaching and Community Development.

Foster, who also serves as the BCB’s Public Relations Officer, told the cricketers that they are the public images of Berbice cricket and must strive at all times to be positive role models to all.

Treasurer of the BCB, Anil Beharry, in his brief remarks, said he was pleased to be associated with the most dynamic cricket board in Guyana and updated the cricketers on the financial status of the BCB, while urging them to work harder to lift their personal performances and bring more successes to the county.

Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Anand Sanasie, spoke on behalf of the national body and congratulated the two teams on their successes while urging them to be disciplined and hungry for more success.

Mr Sanasie, who is also a Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) vice-president, stated that he would love for members of both the Demerara and Essequibo Cricket Boards to be present to see how hard work and dedication can lead to success.

General Manager of the East Berbice Sugar Estate, Peter Persaud, in his feature address spoke on the importance of self-discipline and commitment in the pursuit of excellence. Mr Persaud, a passionate cricket fan hailed the Inter-county Champions on their performances but challenged them to be hungry for more success and to set the standard even higher in 2010.

He warned the players that in this modern era success tends to leave youths’ complacent and reminded them that discipline is the key to success and would open doors for them.

Each of the players received a Certificate of Appreciation from the BCB for contributions to the success of the teams, while the Most Valuable Player of the senior team, Assad Fudadin, received a bicycle from the board for his achievements.

Jonathan Foo, who was named MVP of the Under-19 team, had received his bicycle earlier in the year during the ABS first division finals.

Fudadin, who was at the helm of the successful senior team, spoke on behalf of the teams and expressed gratitude to the BCB for honouring them and stated that the players were delighted with the current developments taking place in Berbice Cricket.

He also pledged that 2010 would bring more success as his team was determined to be champions again.