Approximately 60 students including 15 girls from the Amerindian settlement of Santa Rosa Community became the latest to benefit from the Guyana Cricket Board’s Academy as the board continued its expansion of the sport in the hinterland regions.
The Damion Marvin Recreational Ground in Moruca was the venue for the programme attended by GCB President Bissondyal Singh, Moruca Cricket Board President, Earl Richards, National Head Coach Ryan Hercules and Essequibo Cricket Board officials Dinesh Joseph, Deleep Singh and Toshao Stavros Stanley along with teachers, parents and coaches of the community.
The GCB President said that the visit was geared towards finding and developing some of the Region One’s (Barima-Waini) immense talent, something he said will be a focal point as Moruca remains on the premier zones in Essequibo.
Singh said Essequibo cricket is a huge part of the overall structure of building for the future since a number of top players including West Indian player Keemo Paul, Ransford Beaton and Anthony Adams all hail from the county.
The academy followed similar programmes in South Essequibo, North Essequibo, Leguan, Wakenaam, Pomeroon which bowled off their camps within the past two months as the Board extends in programmes in the hinterland regions.
Richards, in brief remarks said that the academy will position Moruca to develop as a community to keep the youths actively involved in cricket which has been a major attraction in the community.
Students in the academy age range from 7 – 17 years and National Coach Hercules who was born in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam) said the programme was geared to expose young cricketers to elite coaching at an early age.
He added that Region One has arguably one of the highest concentrations of talent as it relates to cricket and was pleased to witness such a massive turnout by the players who hail from the various satellite villages such as Kabukalli, St. Peters Hall and other areas.
Toshao Stanley called the moment “a Ground-breaking day for Santa Rosa” and requested a real cricket pitch to be laid and a facility which will go a long way in the development.
for the sport while requesting a facility which he said will go a long way.
A few of the coaches from the area, both male and female will be tasked with overseeing the weekly sessions. Other speakers at the programme included ECB Public Relations Officer Navika Narine.
