BCB President commits to taking Upper Corentyne cricket to another level

– urges teams to follow COVID 19 guidelines when season restarts

President of the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, and the BCB Public Relations Officer last Wednesday met with Executives of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and representatives of the association’s 29 members at an outdoor meeting held at the Scottsburg Community Centre in Corriverton.
The President was invited by the UCCA as part of his outreach programme to inform clubs on the latest development in Berbice cricket and his administration’s plans for the sub-association.
Foster informed that the BCB would be hosting at least 3 different tournaments for all clubs in the area at the second division level, while countywide tournaments would be played at the under 13,15,17,19,21,23 levels along with second division, intermediate, first division and female levels. He also assured the teams that the BCB would be hosting two mini cricket academies to coach a total of 60 youths –30

from Moleson Creek to No 73 Village and another 30 from No 72 to No 43 Village.
The BCB coaches would also be sent to clubs like Line Path CC, #73, Scottsburg and the Rama Krishna Academy, which have junior teams registered with the board. At least 24 youth cricketers from the sub-association would receive assistance in the form of cricket gear, uniforms, or a bicycle, while every club would collect a box of balls as part of a comprehensive developmental programme.
Educational materials would also be published to educate youths on the game.
The President has committed to taking Upper Corentyne to another level in 2021, but cautioned clubs that, to do so, they would have to be prepared to not only work hard but also to observe the strict COVID-19 regulations set down by the board for the restarting of the game. These rules include no spectators at venues, mask wearing in the pavilion and social distancing.
Foster announced that teams which fail to follow the COVID-19 guidelines would be disbarred from tournaments, as his administration would be adopting a no-nonsense attitude, as lives would be at stake.
The President also disclosed rules for the 2021 season, including the opening of a transfer season for players from the January 1st of to the 28th of February of each year. He also announced that the board would allow one player from out of Berbice to play at the senior level per match, once that player has had no international match for the last five years. The UCCA season is expected to bowl off late next month with a round robin 40 overs tournament, followed by a knockout 20/20 cup.
The finals of the multi million dollars Price are Right tournament would also be played shortly after been delayed for close to a year. Foster hailed the outstanding leadership of UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade and Vice President Sydney Jackman over the last three years. He noted that their leadership has transformed the body into the best run sub association in the country.
The visiting delegation handed over a quantity of trophies, face masks, face shields and educational posters to the teams. The BCB President also handed over four educational packages to the family of injured cricketer Retesh Haimchand. Mr Foster had committed to providing the children with a cricket bat, food hamper and educational packages and over the last month.