Historian Professor Tota Mangar recently urged participants of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) cricket academy to take advantage of the opportunities being offered to them during the five-day programme, according to a press release.
Mangar was at the time delivering the feature address for the board at the conclusion of its 14th cricket academy for aspiring cricketers at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.
“I would like you to take this very seriously, take full advantage of the academy, you will benefit in the long run because cricket is not only played nationally but also internationally,” Mangar said.
The former deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana spoke of the benefits of the academy and stressed that in addition to the technical aspects of cricket, the youths learnt other important aspects of life skills.
According to the release Mangar commended President Bissoondyal Singh and his executives who were recently re-elected when the ECCB held its Annual General Meeting on August 10, for the excellent work on the East Coast of Demerara.
“The East Coast Cricket Board executives must be commended since this is not an ordinary event, this academy in now in its fourteenth (14th) year and it must be serious commitment and dedication to continuously organize this programme,” said Mangar.
He added: “Unlike the old days when cricket was played as recreation, cricket is now very commercialized and is serious business; this initiative by the ECCB is very laudable and it comes against a background of a lot of problems facing national cricket administration in Guyana and I urge you to retain the knowledge, work hard and do your utmost to be ambassadors of Guyana.”
He referred to Clive Lloyd and Shivnarine Chanderpaul as persons who led by example when it came to discipline and urged the participants to emulate the two superstars.
Thirteen year old Avin Gangadin, a participant of the Academy in an impressive and emotional presentation said: “My stay here has been an extraordinary one and I really enjoyed going out on the field and actively interact with my friends but it is not just about going out on the field and playing cricket, it is about new lessons everyday so that we could develop ourselves and I am tremendously appreciative. I would like to thank the East Coast Cricket Board for keeping this Academy year after year and for me; it has been a pleasure – thank you ECCB.
President of the ECCB, Bissoondyal Singh, during his address stated that he believes that the academy will aid in the improvement of each participant and also the general standards of Guyana’s cricket from the youth level to the senior cricketers.
“This is not about having a certificate on your wall or a trophy to show your friends that you have attended the ECCB academy. We want to ensure that each of you become better citizens who can make a contribution to our beautiful country,” Singh stressed. “You were not only taught the art of playing cricket but the dangers of using illicit drugs, the benefits of being fit, your personal hygiene, discipline, commitment and dedication, food and nutrition, discrimination, these are all facets of life that if put carefully into practice will make you better citizens of our dear beloved country. Just to let you know that over the past 14 years participants who would have attended this academy and went on to play for Guyana are Zaheer Mohamed, Brian Sattuar, Kumar Nandalall, Emran Khan, Kevin Bazil, Clive Andries, Krishna Deosarran, Kamesh Yadram, Abeena Parker, Devanie Sewnarine, Indomattie Goordial, Triolla Marshall, Faye Franklyn, Kavita Yadram, Reneeka Isaacs, Haseena Mohamed and Darlene Gayle, Bashkar Yadram and recently Amanda Persaud, these are all cricketers who went on to represent our dear land of Guyana. Sydartha Anandjit who is a major contributor to this academy is now a scorer regionally and also scored for ESPN in the 20/20 World Cup held in the Caribbean.
Referring to the current situation Singh said, “I do not want for any moment anyone becoming frustrated or dwell in the realm of despair.
“Our government and the opposition in Parliament have passed legislation to end the lawlessness and this process will see a true reflection of the electorates – professional people to manage our cricket so that every child in this country is afforded with an opportunity regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
“I therefore urge President Donald Ramotar and Minister Frank Anthony to bring to an end as soon as possible – what can only be described as mayhem, discrimination and lawlessness”.
Secretary of the ECCB Judister Rampersaud in closing thanked the many sponsors including Mr. Pierre Walcott of M & P Investments who recently came on board, the Lusignan N.D.C and all those who have made the Academy a success. Vice-President Samaroo Jailall was the chairman of the proceedings.
