The fourth Youth Enhancement 10/10 cricket tournament is set for today at the Number 56 Village Community Centre Ground, Corentyne, East Berbice with eight teams battling for honours.
Organiser, Gobin Harbhajan, who is also the Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Prime Minister Regional Representative and a Regional Councilor says the Youth Enhancement initiative has been a success since the inaugural staging in May of this year.
He explained that business persons and other individuals throughout the East Berbice/Corentyne Region have approached to contribute or join hands in his drive to help youths and adults.
The tournament seeks to get persons involved in sports at a competitive level and also to ensure that persons are engaged in constructive activity in preparing for competitions. The second and third such competitions were held in August and November of this year.
The teams competing are defending champions, Grill Masters, May Flower, Unstoppable, Turbo United, Number 55 Village, Number 57 Village, Number 58 Village, Number 59 Village and Crabwood Creek.
At stake will be cash and trophies for the top four teams.
Harbhajan says he was asked to stage the tournament at this time of the year since organisers have not been forthcoming with other traditional sporting events on the Corentyne.
“People look forward to things that they can actually participate in…I have always been open to any assistance. It’s not about one community, I would be happy to see other individuals in other communities follow my footsteps and be leaders. What I found over the years is that we have too many people complaining. I believe that if one can use their energy to criticize, they can turn their negative into positive and become a role model. One such family who reached out to join me in this tournament is Mr and Mrs Lalsaran and Family (Shirley’s Supermarket) who took their time to assist me in organizing this event.”
Some of the other sponsors on board are Shamie Rampersaud of USA, Mr and Mrs Bancedar, Kamlawattie Jaipersaud of Canada Nand Persaud and Company among others.
Harbhajan says he has noticed that the figures, as they relate to suicide on the Corentyne are relatively high. He is of the view that many persons have idle time on their hands.
“They need to get themselves involved in activities other than alcohol drinking and illegal drugs use. Making a start and taking the lead will help the youths to use their spare time to do something constructive,” he said.
“My objective is as the Prime Minister Rep and Regional Counselor is to do something about the situation because too many youth and adults have idle time and we have so many abandoned playgrounds all over. So, I want to invest my time into the Number 56 Village Community Ground as a start.”
He added that since the staging of the first tournament in May, several villagers have been asking for a repeat and also the business community has contacted him indicating their intention to support similar initiatives.
“They have been encouraging me to continue with my drive and they are willing to sponsor trophies and so on to ensure that the idea grows and becomes successful,” Harbhajan explained.
