5 teams in the mix for MMP Foundation’s cricket extravaganza

Five teams have accepted invitations thus confirming their participation in the inaugural MMP Foundation Floodlight Cricket tournament. The one-day tournament, which is scheduled for April 28, was officially launched on Wednesday on the Corentyne.
The tournament, which will be played on a knockout basis, will see Young Warriors CC, Blairmont Blazers, Port Mourant CC, Rose Hall Cricket Club, and Albion CC doing battle at the Albion Sports Complex. A sixth team, Rose Hall Tigers, are yet

to get clearance to play.
The event is being used as a fundraiser for the MMP Foundation for Excellence to garner funds to execute its work programme for 2018. The organisation has so far expended in excess of $4 million on scholarships, a feeding programme and other activities related to education. Treasurer of the Foundation, David Brigbhukan explained that a further $3 million has been budgeted this year.
Speaking of the tournament, he explained that the first-round matches will be 10-over encounters while the semi-finals will be 15-over affairs, and the final a 20/20.
“The three teams that win will go through to the semi-finals along with the losing team with the highest net run rate,” the Treasurer explained. Meanwhile, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster congratulated the MMP Foundation, saying that it was good to see that organisations were trying to support the Board in its drive to have more organised cricket played in Berbice. “I am also happy to know that you guys have joined hands with us to organise cricket as you know for the past several years and cricket was undergoing some major problems and for the last two months we have been able to restore some pride to Berbice cricket.” “This is just one of the several tournaments that will be played in 2018; in fact, the Cricket Board will be arranging about 20 cricket competitions at the U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21, First Division, Second Division, intermediate and female at the inter-zone levels, and it is also hoped that we will be able as a board to assist persons and organisations to promote cricket.”
Commenting on the main objective of the tournament, Foster said he was delighted by it.
“I am very happy that the funds from this event will be used to make a positive difference, because the club that I lead has virtually been fighting a one-man battle in terms of assisting underprivileged children to be able to attend school.”
He congratulated the MMP Foundation while noting that the sponsor has also been involved in sponsoring other competitions being run by the BCB.
ANSA McAL Trading is one of the main sponsors, promoting the tournament under its Carib Beer brand.
Carib Beer Brand Coordinator Sean Abel, speaking at the launch, said, “Carib Beer has been synonymous with cricket in Guyana. We are happy to be part of the rebirth of cricket in Berbice. What is good to note is that the funding will be given back to the community and that is what is most important.”
The Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is the brainchild of Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud (MMP). It has as its objective providing financial support to students facing extenuating circumstances. Meanwhile, the winner of the tournament will take away $50,000 while the second and third-place teams will also receive monetary rewards and trophies. Outstanding players will also be recognised. (Andrew Carmichael)