BCB donates $250,000+ to Upper Corentyne Cricket Association

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President, Hilbert Foster, in continuing his countywide visits to the 13 clubs and 3 sub-associations of the BCB, met last Wednesday with representatives of the 26 clubs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UPCA) at the Riverton Suite in Corriverton, Corentyne.

This visit was the sixth made by Foster as he continues his countrywide visits to BCB- affiliated clubs and sub-associations. He had earlier met with the sub-associations of Rose Hall Canje, Port Mourant, Whim, Chesney and RHTY&SC, MS.
Foster brought the clubs’ executive members up-to-date on the progress made over the last 19 months, the financial status of the Berbice Cricket Board, and challenges confronting Berbice Cricket, as he unveiled several developmental programmes that would benefit clubs in the future.
He hailed the UPCA as the most active and progressive sub-association in Berbice, and credits this to their having a group of dedicated administrators, with Dennis D’Andrade, Sydney Jackman and Lakeram Latchman being the best examples.
The UPCA has organised numerous cricket tournaments at the under-15, under-19, primary school, secondary school and second division levels, along with several others sponsored by the BCB. These include the Ramnaresh Sarwan 40-Overs, RHTY&SC/GNNL 20/20, and Magic Moments 20/20.
Once the weather improves, teams in the Upper Corentyne area would have a packed season, with the Let’s Bet Sports 20/20, NBS 40-Over and R&R Taxi Service 40-Over tournaments being held.
Foster also announced that the UPCA, with support from the BCB and the RHTY&SC, MS, would, from August 19, be hosting a three-day cricket academy for 40 youths at the Scottsburg Ground. He said the UPCA Inter-Secondary School Tournament would start in the new school year, and the Upper Corentyne and Skeldon teams would participate in at least four first division tournaments.
Foster spoke widely of his efforts to obtain a two-day first division tournament, and said the BCB would work closely with the UPCA to coach junior cricketers as an investment in their future.
He donated cricket balls to 16 UPCA clubs, including Dukestown, No. 72 All Stars, No. 72 Cut and Load, All Family, Scottsburg, Skeldon Titans and No. 70 MYO. The remaining 10 clubs, he said, would shortly receive cricket balls.
Each club has also benefited from the donation of a scorebook.
Foster has said that all 26 clubs would each shortly benefit from the donation of a water pitcher, white T/shirts, and 12 BCB Youth Information Booklets.
He has also committed to assisting one club with a set of stumps, and providing gear for a less fortunate cricketer whose parents are unable to so provide for him.
Foster is on record as having visited the UPCA 47 times since assuming the presidency of the BCB. He has also unveiled plans for the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the BCB, which would be done during the entire month of September.
He has urged the 26 clubs of the UPCA to participate in celebrating the BCB’s anniversary by undertaking a project that would make a positive difference in the lives of a less fortunate family. The Club will then submit a photo and brief report of the project to the BCB, who will select the best project. The winner would receive a gift from the RHTY&SC, MS, and from the BCB.
At a club representative’s request, Foster will shortly visit an area to resolve a problem between two clubs who use the same venue.
At end of the highly successful meeting, Foster handed over a collection of stationery and educational materials to UPCA, to be used for the upcoming cricket academy. This sub-association had earlier benefited from a donation of a bicycle, trophies, medals, school bags, cricket balls and cases of water for the academy.
UPCA President, Dennis D’Andrade, and representatives of the clubs have proffered gratitude to the BCB President for the visit.