The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has donated some $800,000 worth of cricket equipment to the Upper Demerara Cricket Association.
This is according to a release from the body.
GCB president Bissoondyal Singh made the donation during the annual general meeting of the UDCA held recently at the Watooka Guest House in Linden, Region 10.
According to the release, the equipment is to be used for the development of the game in the region.
Singh also stated that the GCB was moving full speed ahead to implement a number of programmes in the pipeline some of which will be done simultaneously to make up for lost time.
Touching on the donation he said that it is being done to help the UDCA with equipment needed for training sessions and for the playing of matches.
He urged the recipients to make full use of the items donated and said that he was looking forward to seeing talented players coming from the region.
The items donated included bats, pads, gloves, stumps and balls.
According to the release, the GCB will be moving to implement several activities including training and playing matches across the country and an adequate quantity of cricket gear and equipment by the UDCA will support the player development plans.
The UDCA is the body responsible for all cricket related activities in Region 10, which area encompasses Linden and the mining and riverain areas of Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.
Singh, in a passionate address, stated that Region 10 was close to his heart and mentioned the sacrifices the UDCA made along with the Cricket Stakeholders during the turbulent times of the previous GCB administration.
“The UDCA stood the test of time. They were treated badly, were ostracized, and must be applauded. Many efforts were made to destroy and disband the body, but the UDCA prevailed,” he declared.
He also mentioned the contribution made by the legendry Sir Clive Lloyd along with the gathering of some 7000 signatures in the formulation and eventual passage in parliament, of the Cricket Administration Act, a process which Singh said took years to conclude as there were a number of court battles.
Singh explained that the GCB is the parent body of cricket in Guyana and that the UDCA is an association that is affiliated to the DCB.
Singh said the UDCA is being singled out for special assistance.
“You were stifled for over 11 years by the previous administrators and must be given some attention and the GCB is willing to assist.”
He also spoke of the rolling out of a massive schools’ programme to be undertaken shortly with the training of 150 teachers from 75 primary schools, countrywide.
Region 10, he intoned, will be an integral part of that programme. Competition will commence at the end of the training sessions.
The GCB President commended the UDCA for having a number of females on board as a part of the executive. Such a move is a good sign, especially for youth and female cricket. Females are passionate in whatever they do, and they will help to stimulate the work of the association, he said.
He challenged the UDCA to have teams ready for all other competitions including Under-17, Under 19 and females.
UDCA president Bradley Fredericks stated that the UDCA was extremely grateful for such an enormous contribution, pointing out that the worth and value of the gear goes beyond its $800,000 price tag.
The UDCA president said that with the donation of the gear it will be easier for them to administer the game across the region and promised that himself and his executives will make full use of the items donated. He declared that his board will continue to create an environment for players to grow and took up the GCB president’s challenge to have teams prepared in time for all upcoming competitions.
