In a joint effort between former West Indies batsman, Clayton Lambert and the Hilbert Foster-led Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), dozens of youths will now benefit from the distribution of a large quantity of cricket gear.
This is according to a press release from the County board which stated that Foster had approached the overseas-based Guyanese in an effort to obtain cricket gear for promising youth cricketers especially those in the East Bank of Berbice area.
Lambert, the release stated, readily agreed to Foster’s request and on Tuesday last, informed the BCB President that he had secured a large quantity of cricket gear which would be distributed free of cost and include bats, pads, gloves, thigh pads among others.”
The release added, “Lambert informed the BCB President, that many persons were delighted with the current development of Berbice Cricket and as such, were eager to assist.”
A shipment of gear has already left India for the United States of America and would be shipped to the BCB compliments of Caribbean International Shipping. The company has agreed to assist Lambert in this project while former West Indies captain, Alvin Kallicharran has also agreed to work along with Lambert to help donate gear.
The shipment also includes a large quantity of white cricket uniforms, which will be shared out to less fortunate cricketers. Lambert also informed the BCB President that a special supply of coloured clothing would also be ordered under the Gortonshire Lambada brand.
Foster disclosed that the coloured uniforms would be donated to two struggling first-division teams. The Gortonshire Lambada brand is a new one and is dedicated to Lambert, who currently coaches in the USA.
The BCB president expressed gratitude to Lambert for his cooperation and for remembering his home county. He also urged former Berbice players to join Lambert in his efforts.
“Since taking over the reins of the Berbice Cricket Board in February 2018, over 200 youths cricketers have benefitted,” the release stated.
“Cricket clubs in the Ancient County have also received over $10M worth of assistance in the form of cricket gear, stumps, balls, water pitchers, rain coats, educational materials, food hampers, school bags, bicycles among others,” stated the release.
The 58-year-old Lambert made his debut for Guyana at the Regional Under-19 level in 1979 and also appeared in 1980, that year he also captained Berbice. He first represented Berbice in the Jones Cup Inter County Tournament in 1983 and captained Berbice in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1998.
Lambert made his debut for the senior Guyana team in 1984 and in August, 1991 made his Test debut at the Oval against England. He later migrated to the USA, where he represented that country at the international level as a player and coach.
