By Rajiv Bisnauth

DUBBED a unique developmental tool which has evolved over the past 16 years, the Guyana-leg of the 2016 edition of the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme was officially launched yesterday in the boardroom of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).Scotiabank’s Kiddy Cricket first bowled off in the year 2000; a joint effort between the financial institution and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to help foster skills and passion for the game among West Indian children.

The showpiece has grown, encompassing 14 Caribbean countries, with more than 750 000 now participating.
The programme was re-launched in Guyana in 2014 after a two-year hiatus due to unforeseen circumstances, and this year some 210 primary schools countrywide will benefit from the programme.
Over the years, the programme has helped primary school children gain and maintain appreciation for cricket and treasurer of the GCB Anand Kaladeen says it continues to play a significant role in the further development of the game locally.
GCB Assistant Territorial Development Officer, Anthony D’Andrade, in his remarks said, the programme is a highly significant aspect of the GCB’s cricket development programme.
“Obviously, it is believed that once the correct techniques are learnt at an early age it will positively impact on the players’ future ability to execute his/her cricketing skills. Apart from techniques, the programme emphasises the importance of discipline, commitment among others,” D’Andrade said.
Marketing Manager of Scotiabank, Jennifer Cipriani, said her organisation remains committed to the growth and development of cricket locally as well as regionally.
“Scotiabank is proud of the achievements of this partnership with the WICB regionally and the GCB locally. We are seeing the benefits from the investment of money and time into this programme and we are more than happy with what we see,” Cipriani revealed.
Speaking also at the launching was Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary), Baydewan Rambarran, who commended Scotiabank, WICB and the GCB for taking such initiative, adding that the programme will assist students to choose a career path at an early age.
Sports Chairman of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Seon Bristol, reflected on the days when the GTU was leading the way in promoting ‘grassroots’ cricket, noting that sport in schools plays an important role in the development of each child. He urged each participating child to make use of the opportunity offered to them.
Yesterday’s launch was also attended by Nicholas Fraser of the Education Ministry’s Allied Arts Unit and Taaliba Speede of the Child Care and Protection Agency.
Scotiabank’s involvement with West Indies cricket began in 1998 as the Official Bank of West Indies Cricket; in 1999, it became the exclusive sponsor of Kiddy Cricket.