-Thanks government, sponsors among others for massive support of Berbice Cricket

By Clifton Ross
WITH the end of 2022 just weeks away, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president Hilbert Foster has hailed this year as arguably one of the most successful yet challenging for cricket in the Ancient County, but hinted at early programmes set to bowl off as soon as January 2023.

The long-serving BCB head told Chronicle Sport on Friday that this year has presented a topsy-turvy road for them. However, the challenges proved to help further augment the reputation of the board, as he outlined the numerous achievements the BCB managed to accomplish throughout 2022.

According to Foster, the weather primarily was among the nuisances which sought to curtail any possible smooth operations that the BCB had outlined this year. He explained it has been very puzzling with regard to running specific competitions, especially against the weather which continuously forced a number of cricket events both in and out of the Berbice County to be rescheduled.

Foster said despite these unavoidable hurdles, the BCB were able to welcome and host a number of legendary West Indies players to the county, as part of various clinics which focused on batting and bowling, among other areas of cricket.

During various phases of 2022, Foster and the BCB executives were graced with visits from the likes of famed West Indies ex-stars Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts, Jimmy Adams, Roland Butcher and Desmond Haynes; all whom represented the ‘Maroon’ with pride during the golden years.

The BCB boss believes that the clinics hosted by the former Windies legends were crucial to the expansion of cricket in Berbice, as it targeted the youths as well as those who are currently commencing their careers as players.

He said the knowledge imparted could never be replaced as the youngsters got a free chance to pick the brains of these stalwarts of the game. Adding that it tremendously buffed their approach as well as their understanding of what is required to become professionals of their craft.

Speaking on other areas, those which leaned towards the realm of charity and overall development of students, academically and on the cricket pitch, Foster thanked sponsors, both local and overseas, for their continued commitment in and around the fraternity.

The BCB were able to provide nets, cricket gear and pitch covers, among other paraphernalias, to clubs and schools across the Ancient County of Berbice. Foster said he was also happy to have donated more than GYD $2M in gear, just towards the growth of school cricket and its various coaching programmes.

A special ‘thank you’ was sent out to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, who has played a major role for the Berbice board. Under the minister, the BCB has managed to run a county-wide coaching programme.

Level 3 coaches Winston Smith, along with Leslie Solomon and a host of former national players like Delbert Hicks, Tremayne Smartt, Ameer Rahaman, Seon Hetmyer, and others, will train a number of rookie instructors as part of a solid structure which not only provides income for the trainees but allowing them to grasps the golden chance at being future national coaches.

The ongoing programme sees the trainee coaches working a required 80 hours per month, across Region 6 venues like Rose Hall Canje, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall Town, No.73, Skeldon and Port Mourant.

Looking ahead to 2023, which is rapidly approaching, Foster wrapped up his interview by confirming the BCB has already secured sponsorship for events set to get underway as early as January 2023.

According to the BCB president, sponsorship for programmes, which includes a Secondary Schools cricket project, have already been secured with these events seemingly set to get the New Year off to a positive start for the BCB.