THE Demerara Cricket Club’s (DCC) summer camp was yesterday boosted by a brief pep talk from Minister with responsibility for Housing within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott. The club commenced its camp on Monday at its Queenstown facility, The camp aims to educate more than 40 students on the basics of cricket as well as public speaking, life values and social skills.
The two-week camp which will conclude next Friday is under the watchful eyes of former National off-spinner and coach Gavin Nedd, and former Guyana and West Indies batsman Travis Dowlin and runs from 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs each day.
Speaking to the camp’s participants, Minister Scott, a DCC second generation member (after his father) indicated that the club has been continually producing talent, stating “There is something else you must take hand in hand when playing the game – that is your education. There is no way you can get any place unless you marry the two.”
He added, “Our new government intends to make sure that you are given all opportunity to play the game but you are also given all the books to read. You must be a rounded individual. There are a lot of books on cricket and other forms of literature that can help you to advance your life.”
President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Alfred Mentore indicated that Minister Scott’s visit was a special one. He encouraged the youths to approach the camp with a positive mind
He stated that “next week in itself, we will have a number of persons who will be giving remarks and doing other leadership and skills programmes. We’ll be having public speakers, umpiring officials, Ministry of Health officials and other persons who will be doing important aspects of the game itself and how the game evolved.”
Coach Nedd said that his charges have been working hard since the commencement of the camp, adding that he finds joy in working with players who are dedicated to the game and their development.
Dowlin, in his vote of thanks, encouraged the youths to absorb the knowledge imparted by the Minister adding that they should always seek advice from their seniors who often times have been in the same position.
(Stephan Sookram)