BCB assures Upper Corentyne clubs of continued support

— developmental fund handed over to UCCA

President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, met last Thursday with clubs registered with the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association, and reassured them that there would be continued heavy investment in their development.
Held at the No 72 Cut and Load Cricket Ground, the meeting was attended by most of the 28 clubs registered with that sub- association.

Accompanying Foster to that meeting were BCB Vice President Qualis Wynter, Secretary Angela Haniff and Executive Lykden Edwards; UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade was also present.
Foster, who was making his 103rd visit to the area on cricket-related issues since his election in 2018, informed the clubs that the BCB was aiming for a restart of the 2021 season sometime in October, and announced that senior teams in the Upper Corentyne would be involved in three tournaments for the rest in the year. The tournaments would be the Vishnu Super Store 40 overs, Vitality Inc 20/20 and the NPG Packing Ltd 100 balls.
Teams with junior sections would be involved in several tournaments which had already started before the season was suspended in March due to the rainy season. Junior cricket would be played at the under 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 levels, while first division teams are expected to play in at least two knockout tournaments before the end of the year. One female tournament would also be played.
Moreover, Foster informed the clubs that only vaccinated players would be allowed to play in tournaments organised by the BCB, in keeping with policies laid down by the Government. No spectators, liquor bars or music would be allowed at matches, while social distancing and the wearing of masks in the pavilion would be required.
The BCB President has sternly warned that clubs who break the regulations would be debarred for the rest of the year, as the BCB would be adopting a no-nonsense attitude in an effort to keep everyone safe.
The BCB, he also announced, would expect players to play for the clubs with which they had registered earlier this year.
Among other topics discussed at the meeting were umpiring at matches, preparation of grounds, hosting of a mini cricket academy for youths in the area, youth coaching manual, assistance to clubs, unauthorized cricket matches despite COVID regulations, and the distribution of cricket gear to youth cricketers in the area.
Foster announced that he plans to seek another two-year term when the BCB hosts its Annual General Meeting in December, and the BCB took the opportunity to announce the creation of a developmental cash grant, handing over one hundred thousand dollars to the UCCA.
These funds would assist the active sub-association to manage cricket in the area on a day-to-day basis, and further, Foster announced that the West Berbice Cricket Association and the Berbice River Cricket Association would also get developmental grants, along with the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association.
UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade, in expressing appreciation to Foster for his unmatched interest in the development of the game in the sub-association, noted that Foster was the most visible leader in the history of Berbice cricket. He said Foster is always available to talk to players and listen to suggestions. Most importantly, he noted that every single promise made by the BCB has been fulfilled.
The developmental grant also represents the first of its kind from the parent body, and the UCCA President said it would be used for its intended purpose.
Foster informed the gathering that he is committed to making Berbice cricket the role model of West Indies Cricket, and to make sure that every person feels part of the system, even if they are not supportive of his slate.