35 youths graduate from maiden Upper Corentyne/Brian Ramphal Cricket Academy

– Foster hails UCCA as role model cricket association

The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) on Wednesday successfully concluded their first ever Brian Ramphal Cricket Academy at the Scottsburg Cricket Ground in Corriverton. A total of thirty-five youths drawn from clubs between No 43 Village to Moleson Creek attended the Academy, which attracted support from overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), and the Corriverton Business Sector.
BCB President Hilbert Foster attended the first day of the Academy on Monday last and hailed the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association as a role model organisation which is leading a cricketing revolution in the area.
The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Executives were described as hardworking, dedicated, honest, and visionary, with a special mention of President Dennis D’Andrade, Vice President Sydney Jackman, and Secretary Lakeram Latchman, along with Executives Mr Mentis, Mr Victor and Mr Balram. Foster, who was making his 48th visit to the Sub-association since his election last year, urged the cricketers to take full advantage of the opportunities being presented to them at the Academy.
The BCB, he stated, was investing heavily in youths as it wants to continue the ancient county’s rich legacy of producing outstanding players. The legacy of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher and others are being kept alive by Devendra Bishoo, Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer, Kevlon Anderson, Anthony Bramble, Isiah Thorne, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, and that the BCB was planning for the next generation of players.
He urged the players to put into practice what they have learnt, to research the history of the game, and to seek advice from the older generation of players. He committed the BCB and RHTY&SC to assisting all of the youths to fulfil their full potentials on the cricket field and in the classroom.
Vice President Sydney Jackman, the former Guyana first-class player, hailed the Brian Ramphal Cricket Academy as another red letter day in the history of the Sub-association and hailed the outstanding work of the Foster led BCB. Jackman stated that the main objective is to return
Upper Corentyne Cricket Association to its former glory when it won several national titles in the 1990’s, with players like Bhim George.
Coaches Leslie Solomon and Delbert Hicks both praised the discipline and positive attitude of the youths. Solomon urged the youths to practice daily and stated that he was delighted that Berbice would once again be playing Two-Day First Division Cricket, as it would assist players to be more focused. Several classroom lectures were done by retired Head Teacher Clement Edwards on topics such as drug abuse, personal discipline and the importance of education.
Vittori Latchman was named the Overall Best Batsman, Salim Khan the Best Spinner, Trevon Sukhu the best Fast Bowler and Ameer Shaw the Best Wicket-keeper. Five of the Most Promising Players also carried home Educational Materials and school bags. Three other players also received water pitchers, compliments of the Rose Hall Town Youth& Sports Club, MS. All of the thirty-five players carried home Certificate of Attendance while the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association also recognised the hard work of the two coaches.