IN what he called one of the ‘Freest and Fairest’ Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) elections ever, newly re-elected president Hilbert Foster says big things are on the horizon as, the revitalisation of  Ancient County cricket continues.

Foster spoke with Chronicle Sport on Monday, following Sunday morning’s election held in Berbice. He outlined a number of short-term plans which are all geared towards putting Berbice’s cricket standards on par with that of Georgetown, who has been at the pinnacle of player development.

He first hailed the work of the Returning Officer as well as the club members who came out and ensured the electoral process was free and fair. Foster noted that there were no issues as himself and 1st vice-president Albert Smith each received full votes while the rest of his executives also swept their votes during the nomination process.

Apart from meeting with his new executive body as the foremost priority, Foster said that the opening for the 2020 cricket season will be announced early next year, with the two dates for the rain-affected Ivan Madray T20 and Busta Champion of Champions 40-Overs finals also being announced.

The Competitions Committee members and Chairman along with respective Club Captains, Cricket Development team as well as a financial unit, are among some of the positions set to be announced in the new month of January, according to Foster.

The BCB head also confirmed that the Board’s first Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of 2020 will be held roughly one month from now. He said following the OGM, more logistical plans for the board will then be sketched out as the season prepares to get underway.

Big plans are also in store for cricketers in Region 5 as the president is adamant about creating a Berbice Cricket League. The fiscal boost although not a huge one, said Foster, will more than likely feature in the T20 aspect of the league where players will be paid to play.

Regarding the financial report which was not discussed on Sunday, Foster said BCB had delivered their audited financial report but are now waiting on the Auditors to complete their work, especially during the season.

On the cards are some 20 cricket tournaments a year to help prepare all the inter-county teams, the reintroduction the T20 format for the Under-13, U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21 levels, as well as the building of an outdoor practice facility

Also, the purchasing of a 15-seater bus to help cut transportation cost was among the priorities Foster said BCB will be looking to make happen in early 2020, as his administration looks forward to the upcoming season. (Clifton Ross)