THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has secured a sponsorship worth close to $1.2M from overseas-based Berbician Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh for another countywide coaching programme.

The sponsorship will be divided into two parts – $770 000 for a countywide coaching programme and several coaching clinics while $400 000 will be used for the board’s annual cricket academy.

President of BCB, Hilbert Foster, stated that Dr Singh’s investment was a major boost for the continued development of the game in the county.
Foster expressed gratitude to Dr Singh for his continued confidence in the board. Dr Singh was described as a true friend of Berbice cricket and Foster disclosed that the board will shortly be presenting its highest award to him.

He recalled that Dr Singh, in 2018, also donated $1M for a similar project which was highly successful.
Foster further announced that a total of 200 young cricketers are expected to be involved in the countywide coaching programme with 50 each from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Central/Upper Corentyne.

Dr Singh, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to be associated with the current leadership of the board. The USA-based medical doctor urged the board to uphold the high standard it has set itself and to work even harder to achieve even more success in the future.

He reassured Foster of his continued cooperation in the future as he was excited about the progress of cricket in the county.

The coaching programme will be conducted by Level III coaches Winston Smith and Julian Moore. They will be assisted by coaches Andre Percival, Balram Samaroo and several Pre-Level I coaches.

Meanwhile, the board under the sponsorship will also be hosting coaching clinics for the most promising players on a regular basis. Clinics will be held separately for batsmen, fast bowlers, wicket keepers and spinners.

The second annual Dr Singh Cricket Academy will be hosted in July for one week at the Albion Community Centre.
A total of 70 youths will be selected by the coaches to attend the academy.

Foster stated that since his election in February 2018, cricket in Berbice has enjoyed a remarkable transition with the board being financial stable, cricket is being played at all levels, clubs are being established in every village while numerous developmental programmes are held on a regular basis.
The board is targetting at least 30 tournaments in 2019 at various levels.