PROACTIVE president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, is willing to serve at the helm for one more year.
Foster, who has given the sport in the Ancient County an energy shot under his watch, told a gathering of cricket officials and players last Sunday at the Port Mourant ground that the decision was no easy task.

He said that he was moved after receiving a countless number of requests from clubs, officials, parents and umpires, who were afraid that his exit would result in county cricket becoming inactive.

Foster, who has loyally executed his duties with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for many years as Secretary/CEO said that the club remains his first priority.

In February of 2018, Foster reluctantly accepted the top position of the BCB as he looked to create a similar atmosphere like the RHTY&SC – where youths were given opportunities.
The respected administrator noted that his mandate was to grow the sport in Berbice to such a level that youths could have their dream of playing cricket at the highest level fulfilled.

He also wanted to give youths an alternative to misguided paths.
Reaching from where he started, which was a two-year dormant sport with only $42 000 in the bank, took hard work.

Foster stated that it was depressing to see youths turning up at practice every day of the week with no cricket to play. He added that a lack of developmental programmes failed to unearth talent in the region.

EIGHTEEN AND COUNTING
The BCB under Foster’s leadership this year has successfully completed 18 cricket tournaments while another four have moved into the finals.
A total of 26 tournaments would have started over the last nine months at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Internal Zone, Second Division, Double Wicket and First Division levels.

Information from the board indicates that the tournaments which were not completed this year, would roll over into the new year.

INITIATIVE
The board has also started early preparations for the 2019 Inter-County season by securing sponsorship for Under-15, Under-17, Female and Under-19 level competitions.
The Under-15 competition for 2019 has already started, while the others would start shortly, weather permitting.

Dozens of developmental programmes and award ceremonies have also been organised in an effort to make sure that every talent in the Ancient County is identified and nurtured. Systems are also in place to make sure that every hero is recognised and honoured.

Efforts have also been made to assist clubs with balls, stumps, raincoats, scorebooks, trophies among other items. The BCB, over the last nine months, has also launched programmes such as financial stipends for national junior and female cricketers, inter-county cap system, inter-county MVP, educational posters among others.
The RHTY&SC (MS) has pumped over $1.5M of its own funds to assist the BCB to fulfil its mandate over the last nine months.

EVEN BETTER IN 2019
Foster urged the players and officials to remain focused on the task ahead, as much work needs to be done. He stated that if re-elected, he would work along with others to identify a leader of the future and serve as a mentor. He stated that while it may be difficult to match the achievements in 2018, 2019 promises to be even better as many more sponsors are willing to come on board once he remains at the helm. This would result in more tournaments and developmental programmes.

Special efforts would also be made to play a round-robin two-day first division tournament and obtain a modern indoor cricket facility for the county cricketers.
Foster was quick to point out that he had received cooperation from everyone in the county, including clubs who had voted against him at the election. Every commitment and promise had also been fulfilled as he strongly believed that his word/promise is his bond.