THE outstanding work of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to attract the support of overseas-based Guyanese.

The BCB last Friday received over $200 000 worth of cricket gear from four overseas donors, led by Brian Ramphal, towards its countywide Coaching Programme and preparation of its Inter-county cricket teams.

Ramphal, who earlier this year donated $1M to Berbice Cricket for several programmes, was this time supported by his cousins Raj Mathura, Sham Mathura and Michael Rampersaud who all live overseas.

BCB president Hilbert Foster during the presentation ceremony at the St Francis Training Centre hailed the support of Ramphal and his friends for Berbice Cricket.

The president noted that Ramphal came on board with the BCB, on the advice of former Board secretary Oscar Ramjeet and donated $1M of his personal funds.

Ramphal’s funding was used to host a two-day Training Programme for 40 Pre-Level One coaches, a Double-Wicket tournament, an Annual Awards Ceremony and the publication of educational posters.

A 30-page Magazine would also be published in early December as part of Ramphal’s sponsorship. Foster noted that Ramphal and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh are the largest donors to the BCB in 2018 with million-dollar personal donations. 

The BCB’s success on and off the cricket field over the eight months has been achieved because of great support of sponsors, local and overseas. The Foster-led administration on the February 18, inherited a meagre $42 865 in the BCB Bank Account and through an aggressive and well-planned marketing drive, has been able to raise over $8M in cash and kind for Berbice Cricket.

Administrator Angela Haniff stated that the donated gear would be used by the BCB coaches in coaching outreaches while young cricketers who do not have their own gear would have access to them at trial matches.  

Haniff noted that the BCB is grateful to Ramphal and his cousins for the contribution and pledged to make sure that the gear is used for the intended purposes.

Ramphal stated that he is honoured to assist Berbice Cricket as he is very impressed by the vision, achievements, accountability and hard work of the current BCB Administration. He noted that he was a strong follower of the legacy of Berbice Cricket despite not being a Berbician.

Ramphal stated that he was satisfied that his funds were well used and pledged to work along with Berbice Cricket in the future. He expressed confidence in the future of Berbice Cricket under its current leadership.