Education Minister lauds GCB as National Secondary School Cricket League launched

Oct 17, 2015 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
Yesterday morning, the Everest Cricket Club, Eve Leary, was the venue of two related activities that are cricket oriented; two schools were on the field engaged in competitive action while on the top floor of the club, executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) convened for a press conference that officially raised the curtains on the National

Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnarine (4th R sitting) share the head table with members of the National Sports Commission, other cricket bigwigs, representatives of the sponsors and students of participating schools (standing behind).

Secondary School Cricket League.
The action on the field represented the first of a series of matches that will see more than 150 secondary schools from across the country, categorized in 15 zones, competing for honours in the above mentioned championships.
Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnarine, graced the function with his presence and delivered keynote remarks. He acknowledged the financial constraints experienced by the organizers and lauded the efforts of the members of the corporate community whose input has made it easier for the organizers. Mr. Roopnarine further drew a nexus between education and sports while advocating for continued collaboration in this vein. “I have been advocating for a plan to have cricket developed at a national level and this venture certainly meets my approval,” said Mr. Roopnarine. He then urged the participants to turn in robust and vigorous performances in support of their administrators’ efforts.
President of the GCB, Drubahadur, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the organizers for facilitating the partnership. He also added his voice to the plea by Minister Roopnarine for a competitive tournament. The Child Protection Agency (CPA) is another stakeholder and Official of the National Sports Commission, Gervy Harry, was pleased with the collaboration between the entities. He noted that the principals of the tournament are schoolchildren and the presence of the CPA clearly presents the environment for wholesome interaction. He also noted that the tournament created the perfect environment for collaborative developmental activities between the schools and communities. Consequently, the NSC official voiced approval with the involvement of schools from all ten regions while pointing out that this initiative is good for development and cohesion.
Official of the Probation Child Protection, Orette Franscois, noted that the involvement of his organization represented continued efforts of his entity to foster development among children and he lauded the efforts of the organizers. Senior Sponsorship and Events Executive (Digicel), Louanna Abrams, also congratulated the organizers and feels that the input of her organization represents continued efforts to promote development of young people. She also mentioned the yearly National U-18 football tournament hosted by her company and said that the current cricket championships gelled with (Digicel) objectives of creating opportunities for young people.
Banks DIH representative, Errol Nelson said that his company was sponsoring under the Rainforest Waters and that they are delighted to play a pivotal role in the development of the youths. “Banks DIH have always supported cricket and our sponsorship of this tournament demonstrates our steadfast involvement in the development of the sport locally,” he said.
Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie disclosed that his organization had mulled the inauguration of this tournament for several years but was constrained by inadequate finances. He thanked the many sponsors whose input has made it now possible to go ahead. He also expressed gratitude to Minister Roopnarine who he said had donated the balls for the tournament. Mr. Sanasie further said that the tournament aims to provide a feeder system that’s formatted on par with the annual Inter schools Athletics championships. Former West Indies fast bowler, Colin Stuart, was the master of ceremonies. He will also play an integral part in the organizational structure.