Berbice cricketers benefit as Hand-in-in Hand supports 40-over tourney

Mar 06, 2012 Sports

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Executive members of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have received a timely boost to the promotion of their programmes when the Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company donated a package to the tune of $321,000 to offset expenses for the West Berbice Senior 40-over cricket competition scheduled to get underway when the rainy season abates.

The winner of the competition collects $50,000 and a trophy and the runner-up $30,000. The competition involves 16 teams including Blairmont, Bush Lot, Shieldstown, Cotton Tree, Rosignol, D’Edward and Rainbow Generation.
Public Relations Officer of the BCB Hilbert Foster collected the gift shortly after his organization launched the competition at the Hand in Hand head office, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown yesterday afternoon. Mr. Foster said that Berbice cricket is definitely on the rise and boasted that his administrative group should serve as the role model for other cricket administrators in Guyana and the Caribbean.
“Four years ago our cricket was in a backward slide but today after careful and visionary planning it has retained its rightful place of dominance and success,” he said.
Mr. Foster further pointed out that over the past four years his executives have planned in excess of 50 tournaments and augmented such effort with over 250 off field activities. He said that this is indicative of the hard work of his colleagues. He added that plans are in train to host 22 additional cricket tournaments at all levels plus 80 off-the-field activities during the year.
“This year emphasis would be placed in the West Berbice areas which over the years have been neglected by a very inactive cricket association,” said. ‘Notwithstanding, the Berbice Cricket Board, in its continued drive to achieve more development, has decided to take matters in its own hands,” Foster stressed.
He pointed out that that region would also organize a two-day inter zone tournament, a T/20 tournament supported by several 40-over competitions for clubs. In addition, a massive coaching program is being planned and will be augmented with one-day cricket academies and coaching clinics.
Meanwhile, Foster assured his benefactors that the tournament would be properly run and they would procure maximum benefits. He extended deep gratitude to the BCB’s Marketing Consultant Bish Panday who was instrumental in negotiating the sponsorship package.
In turn, Panday, a former Guyana Cricket Board Secretary and WICB Director thanked Hand-in-Hand for their positive response despite receiving short notice. He promised to support those progressive entities genuinely interested in the development of local cricket.
Panday pointed out that cricket is important to the nation while explaining whenever Guyana or the West Indies team excels its natives proudly hold their heads high. Conversely, when the teams are defeated it impacts negatively on the economy.
The former Cricket Board executive also said that more emphasis should be placed on the quality of pitches if only to eliminate the difficulties experienced by local players on the faster pitches overseas. He said that while the players should enjoy their game, they must be cognizant that scouts would be observing in an effort to unearth new talent.
In response, Foster said that he spoke with President Donald Ramotar yesterday morning and the head of state assured him that plans are in place to rehabilitate the Bermine and Canje Asylum grounds, two facilities that boasted faster pitches.
Foster also disclosed that the BCB will hold its annual Presentation Ceremony this Saturday evening and that the BCB will collaborate with the Berbice Chambers of Commerce on March 26 next to stage a fund raiser. Some of the money derived from the function will be donated to charity while a small portion will be donated to former Berbice off-spinner and Journalist Sean Devers who is to attend to medical concerns after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. The former cricketer is currently required to visit a local neurosurgeon doctor in Guyana and will return to Trinidad and Tobago within the next six months for further evaluation and possible surgery.
Meanwhile, Marketing Manager of Hand-in-Hand, Howard Cox said his company is always supportive of sports and was extremely delighted to continue in this vein. He reminded that the Insurance Company is currently sponsoring a cricket competition in Demerara for more than 25 years.
“I am a big cricket fan and pains me to see our cricket is in such turmoil.” He said that such occurrences make sponsors reluctant to offer support.  However, after noting the efficiency of the Berbice Cricket Board he was only too willing to get on board.

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