BCB cricketers to benefit from visit of Indian High Commissioner

…BCB presents highest award to Dr KJ Srinivasa

Following a courtesy visit made by Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), cricketers in the ancient county are expected to benefit from educational scholarships to India.

The Indian diplomat was a recent special guest of the proactive Berbice Cricket Board in a visit made at the St Francis Community Developers Complex in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six, wherein he was conferred with the BCB’s highest award – The Tribute to Heroes.
BCB President Hilbert Foster has said he invited Dr KJ Srinivasa to make the visit in order that the BCB might develop a working relationship with the Indian High Commission, an entity which represents the most passionate cricketing nation in the world.
In a comprehensive and well-articulated opening speech, Foster stated that the overall history of the BCB dates back to 1939, when a group of persons founded the first cricket board in Guyana. The main objectives of that board were to represent the interests of Berbice players and to promote the development of the game. The board produced its first Test cricketer in 1948 when John Trim of Port Mourant represented the region, and has since produced 19 other Test players and numerous others at the junior, ODI, 20/20 and female levels.
Among the legendary players produced by Berbice are Rohan Kanhai, Joe Soloman, Ivan Madray, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredricks, Alvin Kallicharran, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine and Shimron Hetmyer.
Foster has informed Dr KJ Srinivasa and his visiting delegation, which included Second Secretary Sunil Kumar Singh, of his administration’s successes over the last four years, and has also unveiled several major upcoming developmental programmes, which include coaching in primary and secondary schools, and assistance to schools.
The setting up of a kiddies’ cricket academy consisting of 100 kids between the ages of eight and 12 years old is also a priority in the near future. Under this programme, the kids would be under proper coaching supervision every weekend, with the aim of correcting their techniques early.
Further, the BCB has announced that special emphasis would be placed on ensuring that all Berbicians understand their roles as sports ambassadors.
On behalf of the BCB, West Indian female player Shabika Gajnabi presented Dr Srinivasa with the Tribute to Heroes Award, along with a BCB medal, while BCB Secretary Angela Haniff presented the diplomat with a special gift – a portrait of Indian National Hero Mahatma Gandhi.
In an equally well-articulated response, Dr Srinivasa expressed admiration for the work of the BCB, and said he has been following the progress of the game in that county. He congratulated Foster and other executives of the BCB for their passion and dedication to the game and its players; and, to loud applause, announced that Berbice cricketers could apply for scholarships from his country as part of the BCB’s Say Yes to Education programme.
That recommendation was readily and enthusiastically accepted by the BCB and its President.
The two delegations also discussed a wide array of possible areas of cooperation which would assist in the overall development of Berbice cricket.
Foster has expressed deep gratitude to Dr Srinivasa for accepting his invitation, and also for extending a hand of cooperation to the BCB.
Among the special guests at the ceremony were Dr Gomathnayagam Subramanian and Father Ramesh Vanan, both Indian nationals based in the county of Berbice. Dr Subramanian is the Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, while Father Vanan is Priest of the Roman Catholic Church at Port Mourant. They both hailed the work of the BCB and the impact it has been having on the lives of youths.