– plans unveiled for 80th anniversary celebrations
– 2018 audited financial report approved
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Sunday hosted a highly successful Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) for 2019 at its Head Office at Dr. Cheddi Jagan Street in New Amsterdam.
Hilbert Foster
Representatives of 10 clubs and one sub-association attended the meeting: Rose Hall Canje, Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Chesney, Guymine, Mental Hospital, Mt. Sinai, Whim, RHTY&SC and Young Warriors; and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association.
BCB President Hilbert Foster’s comprehensive Report for the period January to July, 2019 was discussed. In it he said a total of 30 tournaments would be hosted for 2019, as the prolonged rainy season has forced the BCB to cut back on the proposed number of tournaments to be played.
Foster also informed that the Board was on the verge of obtaining sponsorship for a much needed two-day first division tournament.
He further revealed that great effort is being made to obtain a similar tournament at the Inter-Zone level for under-19 players.
Foster, moreover, declared that his administration had raised close to $18 million in cash and kind over the last 19 months, after taking over a bank account with only $42,935 from the D. Somwaru-led administration.
He expressed disappointment that the former BCB treasurer had to date failed to submit a Financial Report on how more than $2 million was used for the period 2017 to early 2018.
Hardworking and dedicated, Foster informed that his administration was working beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference; and in 2019, clubs across Berbice would benefit from more than $5 million worth of cricket balls, stumps, score books, cricket gear, medals, bicycles, school bags, water pitchers, special prizes, trophies, white cricket shirts and raincoats, among other things.
BCB is currently assisting several clubs to host academies, while a much-needed upgrading of the Board’s offices would also be done as part of an effort to improve service to the general public.
The BCB would also be seeking to obtain all of the items needed to fulfil its mandate and to reduce overhead operating cost.
Plans for hosting month-long celebrations of the BCB’s 80th Anniversary were also unveiled in September, 2019.
Foster has pledged to spearhead construction of an outdoor cricket practice facility, and to fight for the Berbice to have its own cricket hostel.
Delegates at this engagement also passed a motion from the floor, asking Cricket West Indies to return first class cricket to Berbice.
Members have approved the BCB’s Audited Financial Report for the period February to November, 2018.
The Report was unanimously approved, with the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and Chesney Cricket Club representatives respectively moving and seconding the motion.
The BCB’s audited report for 2019 would be tabled at its Annual General Meeting in December.
Club Representatives have congratulated Foster and his Executives on the outstanding work they are doing to develop the game in Berbice.
