The Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) three-day, division one competition will commence shortly following the decision by the National Sports Commission to plough a quarter of a million dollars into the staging of the competition.
According to a press release from the BCB, Director of Sports Chris Jones, handed over the cheque to president of the BCB Anil Beharry at a simple presentation held at the NSC’s Homestretch Avenue office recently.
The money will complement the $800,000 raised by the BCB at its CARICOM Cup fund-raising event, the release added.
At the BCB elections in December 2014, the executives promised the return of school cricket and three-day cricket competitions.
They have already delivered on the school cricket promise with the A. Ally and Sons sponsoring the Under-17 competition which is currently in progress and the Dalchand Rambharose U15 which is to follow.
According to Beharry, the Ministry of Sports was approached several times before for help but was unsuccessful.
Beharry said the BCB was grateful to Minister Nicolette Henry and Director of Sports Jones for the assistance.
Beharry thanked the Director of Sports for his timely intervention with this sponsorship, saying that he is really impressed with the enthusiasm and energy shown by the man who has the direct responsibility for sports in this country.
He also praised the humility of the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Henry, with whom he had a brief but fruitful meeting.
Beharry mentioned that during his meeting with the Minister, he briefed her of the plans for the annual Independence Cup 2016, a joint fund-raiser between the BCB and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association.
The 2016 edition will be part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Guyana’s Independence with part of the funds raised to be distributed to charities. The event normally forms part of the calendar of events of the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Regional Administration, Region No 6 Independence celebrations.
Beharry said that the BCB’s business was the public’s business and their accounts and works are available for scrutiny.
He added that despite the challenges faced by the board, sponsors’ confidence is high which is all that matters. Beharry duly thanked all the sponsors that have supported the BCB over the years.
He also thanked Hilbert Foster and The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for the role they have played in securing this sponsorship.
The competition will start shortly. The board is also pleading to private individuals, businesses, current and former cricketers and administrators to come on board and support this important venture.
Contact can be made at the board’s office on 333-2375 or any other executive.
