AT A SIMPLE but significant ceremony held recently at the famous Albion Sports Complex, Bobby Deonarine of Tenelec of Washington renewed his sponsorship for the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Inter-Club Under-15 Competition for teams in Berbice to the tune of $500 000. 

Human Resources Manager of GuySuCo’s Albion Estate Vemen Walter, was high in praise to the sponsor for his faith and role in the development of Berbice cricket, while he also praised the work of the BCB.
He congratulated the sponsor for once again sponsoring this very important tournament where Berbice cricketers are identified and nurtured, adding that two of the Guyanese in Dubai with the West Indies Under-19 team, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai and Shimron Hetmyer are recent products of this sponsorship.
Walter said other successful cricketers that went on to represent West Indies such as Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Devindra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin and Royston Crandon participated in this tournament as well.
BCB president Keith Foster thanked the elder Deonarine on behalf of the Board, noting that not many will invest their money in Guyana when they live and earn overseas but the sponsor is an exception.
Foster said that Deonarine, who is the uncle of Narsingh Deonarine, is a true patriot of his country of birth and one who is always willing to assist young people here.
First vice-president of the BCB, Anil Beharry, who chaired the proceedings, was also high in praise for the sponsor and thanked them for this investment in the youths in Berbice.
He said that many young people are led astray towards the ills in society and this tournament is an avenue to help them make meaningful contributions to the development of themselves and their communities.
He added that international quality floodlights will soon be installed at the Albion Sports Complex and it is expected that many sporting activities will be held to keep our young people constructively occupied. He pleaded with parents to make sure that their young children take full advantage of this tournament.
In his short but inspiring remarks, Deonarine said it was money well spent and he will always support cricket in Berbice, with the younger players taking priority, adding that he is happy to be part of the success of so many players that come out of Berbice and went on to represent Guyana and eventually the West Indies.
Tenelec Inc is also the sponsor of the premier 50 overs first division competition in Berbice, one that is set to play in the second half of the year and the BCB is optimistic that Tenelec Inc will be on board once more.