Cricketers on the East Bank of Essequibo are the beneficiaries of the newly constructed Alvin Johnson practice facility compliments of the Guyana Cricket Board.
The facility is currently housed at the Parika Salem Ground which is home to Hyde Park Sports Club and Parika Salem Sports Club and has been named after one of the longest serving administrators of the sport. Present at the simple ceremony was the man whose name is adorned at the top of the facility. Johnson, 62, has served in several capacities throughout his career including vice-president of the GCB at one time and an alternate director at Cricket West Indies.
Those in attendance included Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr George Norton who congratulated the GCB for continuing the development of cricket. Norton suggested that a bridge and a proper gate be constructed to give better accessibility to the facility for the students of the Parika Salem Primary and Secondary schools.
He also pressed the GCB to extend its reach into the hinterland communities such as Bartica.
“The hinterland communities are to be considered, particularly Bartica in Region Seven, and we might even go further down.
“You know this idea of cricket in the jungle never left my imagination, going down to Lethem or even Mabaruma in Region Nine and One…there, like all over Guyana, we have talent to develop,” Norton said.
Johnson admitted that he did not enjoy a successful career on the field as he failed to make the Essequibo team but nevertheless was proud of what he has accomplished in another capacity.
“To have a facility named after me, I don’t see this as it belongs to me but I see it as an indication of my commitment to cricket, in particular in the County of Essequibo and the GCB has seen it fit to name it after me…” Johnson said.
Johnson explained that this facility will serve well for the community and by large the far reaching tentacles of cricket lovers who can capitalize on this to better their careers.
While the recipients were pleased to have the facility, Johnson pledged to build a shed over the cage along with lights and matting in order to convert it into an all-weather facility to be used at any time.
He also acknowledged the importance of the facility to help Essequibo cricket continue to climb, noting that it sits well with the efforts of Coach, Ryan Hercules, who is a product of the very venue and Johnson’s training and has coached Essequibo to both 50-over and three-day GCB Franchise league titles for the first time.
Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie reflected on his first days as an executive of the board and recalled Johnson being the first to give him files so that he could find his footing in administration. As an individual and friend, Sansasie described Johnson as a hard worker who is dedicated to the game.
He said he envisioned work being done to have the venue further developed to a standard where it can begin hosting Franchise cricket and extended the GCB’s willingness to assist.
He also related that Mackenzie and West Berbice are the two areas earmarked for the next two facilities with the Board planning to do two facilities per year.
