… hails MP Jafferally

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as part of its countywide cricket developmental programme intends to host cricket tournaments at the school level.

The proposed tournaments are to be played at the primary and secondary levels in four sub-associations before the champions from each area move on to play for the overall Berbice championship.

BCB president Hilbert Foster stated that the sub-associations would be West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. A total of 23 secondary and over 50 primary schools would be involved in the countywide tournaments.

The board has already obtained pledge of support for a secondary school tournament in the Upper Corentyne area and last Sunday, with the assistance of government Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafferally, cemented two major sponsorships for both levels.

Mr Sudesh Persaud of Latchman Construction and Landscaping would be sponsoring a 30-over inter-secondary school tournament for six schools. Among the schools would be Rosignol, Fort Wellington and Belladrum.

Mr Beesham Ram of Caribbean Motor Spares and Mr Dhanpaul Sukhra would stand the cost of hosting a primary school 10 overs tournament for 14 schools – Ithaca, Blairmont, Rosignol, Cotton Tree, No. 8, No. 5, Woodley Park, Hopetown, Bath, Latchmansingh and No. 29.

Foster disclosed that the main objective of the primary school tournament is for it to serve as a nursery for the Under-13 system in the county.

The board also intends to organise coaching sessions in the schools for a selected group of the most promising primary school students.

The BCB has already obtained funds for a countywide secondary school coaching programme from the National Milling Company (NAMILCO).

The BCB president expressed thanks to the three sponsors for coming forward to support Berbice cricket and hailed the contribution of Mr Jafferally, who he described as a true friend of Berbice cricket.

Foster, who was first elected in 2018 stated that his administration was determined to make sure that the rich legacy of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher is kept alive.

The BCB has already started the distribution of cricket gear, balls and uniforms to secondary schools in preparation for the tournaments.

Mr Jafferally, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to offer any form of assistance to Berbice cricket as he was very happy with the direction it was heading under the current leadership.

The three sponsors also stated that they were delighted to support the development of the game at the school level.