THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the leadership of the Keith Foster-led administration continues to be the shining example of hard work and progress even as the national body continues to struggle with the administration of the gentleman’s game. At the start of this year, the BCB had set itself a target of 75 activities/programmes after completing a total of 240 such events during the period 2008-2011, but has surpassed that within the first half of 2012.
On Wednesday June 27, the BCB’s Special Events Committee (SEC) under the chairmanship of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster completed its 102nd activity for 2012.
The events organised so far for 2012 were done under the headlines of cricket development, launching of cricket tournaments, sponsorship, youth development, charity, assistance to clubs/cricketers, educational, social, community development, public relations, coaching and awards.
The Chairman said the success achieved by the Special Events Committee so far this year was mainly due to the hard work put in by its members, namely Angela Haniff, Anil Beharry, Gregory Rambarran, Winston Smith and Leslie Solomon.
“To achieve 100 activities/programmes in six months is no easy task and the Special Events Committee has now set a new target of 150 to be completed by December,” stated Foster.
The BCB, the veteran cricket administrator stated, is passionate about the development of cricket and among the 102 projects completed are fast bowling, batting, spinners’ and wicket-keeping clinics, Educational Awards Scheme, Guyoil Coaching programme and three Education Cricket Posters.
Annual Awards Ceremony, Annual Magazine, Scotiabank Essay & Poster Competitions, Donations to 47 clubs, Cellink Inter-county Sponsorship, Training of Coaches Programme and the Independence Day T/20 Tournament.
In addition the Special Events Committee also organised the BCB Mother and Father of the Year Programmes, Social Skills Seminars, Spelling Bee Competition, GT&T Cricket Balls Projects, Historic Berbice River 20/20 Cricket Tournament, Cricket Academy in West Berbice, among others.
The 102 activities organised so far in 2012 has all assisted to continue the massive uplift that Berbice cricket has enjoyed since 2008.
Since the formation of the Special Events Committee a total of 324 activities have been successfully completed and Foster expressed total gratitude to the numerous sponsors who have supported the Berbice Cricket Board over the years.
The outspoken Foster also expressed massive disappointment that no other County Board or Sub-Association in Guyana has followed the BCB’s example and established a Special Events Committee of their own.
Once the other Boards establish their Special Events Committee with committed and honest members, Foster stated that the BCB was willing to share its vast experience with them in the overall goal of transforming Guyana’s cricket.
Foster expressed confidence that with a dynamic Special Events Committee in every County Board and Sub-Association, massive progress would be made and the level of cricket locally would see a massive improvement.
The BCB’s plans for the second half of the year include the hosting of the fifth Annual Cricket Academy from the July 23, the junior and senior Elite Training Programme, Tribute to Coaches, Tribute to Groundsmen, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Retired Cricketers, Inter-county MVP, First Aid Clinic, assistance to schoolchildren for the new school term and assistance to another 30 clubs.