LAST year when the Hilbert Foster-led administration took over Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), it did so with just $42 000 in the Bank.

Desperate to raise funds, Foster contacted former BCB secretary Oscar Ramjeet to lobby overseas-based Guyanese for assistance.

One of the first to respond was Brian Ramphal, a Texas-based Tech businessman. Ramphal supported BCB with a whopping $1M (US$5 000).

The funds enabled the BCB to host its Annual Award Ceremony, Coaching Clinics, First Division Double-Wicket Competition, and Educational Posters among others.
Over the last 14 months the proactive BCB has raised over $15M in cash and kind to not only host over 40 cricket tournaments but also to transform the fortune of Berbice Cricket.
Ramphal based on a comprehensive Marketing Proposal from the Marketing Committee of the BCB last Tuesday handed over US$2 500 as his sponsorship for 2019.

The half-a-million Guyana dollars contribution would be used by the Board to host the 2019 Award Ceremony, a Social Development Seminar for young cricketers and a 100 Balls Tournament in the New Amsterdam/Canje sub-association.

Foster hailed the continued contribution of Ramphal who he described as a true friend of Berbice Cricket. He stated that the BCB was grateful to Ramphal and other overseas donors like Dr Puran Singh and Dr Tulsie Dyal Singh.

Their assistance has assisted Berbice cricket to move from a period of stagnation onto a very progressive path of development.

The BCB in 2019 has already launched 15 tournaments in just four months with another six to be unveiled in a few weeks.

The Board is aiming to host over 30 tournaments at different levels. Additionally the Board would be hosting several developmental programmes while clubs across Berbice would receive assistance with cricket gear, balls, scorebooks, water pitchers and cricket shirts.
Ramphal was delighted to be associated with Berbice cricket and was confident that his investment was used for the intended purpose.

He disclosed that he was very impressed by the hard work and vision of the BCB leadership during his visit to Berbice late last year. He received the BCB highest Award ‘Tribute to Hero’ and was able to see firsthand, the impact his contribution has made.

He pledged his commitment to the BCB once it maintained the high standard it has set over the last year.

The 2019 Award Ceremony would be held in late May while the Brian Ramphal 100 Balls Tournament would be launched shortly for teams in New Amsterdam/Canje.
Tucber Park and Young Warriors would be debarred in an effort to encourage the other teams in the Sub-Association to excel.