AFTER an absence of 10 years, the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) under the stewardship of former national Under-19 opener Rohan Sarjoo successfully hosted their second summer camp academy at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Over the past nine days, the 51 participants inclusive of six females were taught the various basics of the gentleman’s game, as well as etiquette and personality by distinguished cricketing personnel including former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper.
At a simple ceremony which was held in the press conference room of one of the fastest drying venue in the Caribbean, Director of Sport Neil Kumar lauded the Sarjoo-led EBDCA for their efforts in resuscitating the academy and vowed to work along with the executives to make the association one of the best in Guyana.
“First of all, let me say congrats to the EBDCA for their initiative in organising this camp, and at the same time, congrats to you the participants who had a wonderful opportunity and experience over the past nine days.
“Having seen the programme itinerary, I would say it was a wonderful one that was well planned for you the participants who are very fortunate to be here today. Many Test cricketers did not have this opportunity, so you are indeed a privileged group gathered here today.”
He added: “I am impressed with what the EBDCA is doing for the sport of cricket and I pledge to give them the best support that I can give to make them one of the best, if not the best, cricket association in the country.
“I am also making a commitment to the EBDCA, wherein I will have national coach Ravindranauth Seeram work with you guys right here at the national stadium three times a month, as part of my pledge to give to the EBDCA, my unflinching support in the future.”
Also delivering brief remarks were president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chetram Singh who, like Kumar, congratulated the EBDCA and the participants, as well as Sarjoo.
According to Singh, it has been a while since the EBDCA held such an event and he was pleased when told about it by Sarjoo and honoured to be invited to not only take part in the closing ceremony, but also deliver one of the lectures to the participants.
“I must say congrats to you all for attending this camp over the past nine days. Certainly, you would have learnt something new and hopefully as you all intend o play international cricket for the West Indies in the future, I urge you to put into practice now, what you would have learnt through this programme,” stated Singh.
He told the participants that there is an equal opportunity for both of them at the international level, despite the remuneration gap between the male and female, but informed them that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is working on rectifying same.
Sarjoo warned the participants to stay focused and stay away from the bad things that are plaguing our society today, including drugs, while stating that as soon as the rain abates, he will commence a youth tournament for clubs within his jurisdiction.
Thirteen-year-old Covent Garden Secondary School student Renecia Jaisingh moved the vote of thanks, in which she thanked the EBDCA for organising such a wonderful programme and urged them to continue doing so in the future.