BCB unveils Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has secured sponsorship worth close to $1.2 million from overseas-based Berbician, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh for another countywide Coaching Programme.
BCB President Hilbert Foster and Dr Singh recently agreed on the project that would target every cricket talent in the Ancient County.
The sponsorship would be divided into two parts – $770, 000 for the countywide Coaching Programme and several coaching clinics while $400, 000 will be used for the Board’s annual Cricket Academy.
Foster, who is spearheading the BCB marketing team, stated that Dr Singh’s investment was a major boost for the continued development of the game in the county. He recalled that Dr Singh in 2018 also donated $1 million to a similar project which was highly successful.
The Board stated that a total of 200 young cricketers will be involved in the Coaching Programme, with 50 each drawn from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Central/Upper Corentyne.
The coaching activities will be conducted by Level III Coaches Winston Smith and Julian Moore. They will be assisted by Coaches Andre Percival, Balram Samaroo and several Pre-Level I Coaches. The Board, under the sponsorship, will also be hosting coaching clinics for the most promising players on a regular basis. Clinics will be held separately for batsmen, fast bowlers, wicket-keepers and spinners.
The second annual Dr Singh Cricket Academy will be hosted in July, 2019 for one week at the Albion Community Centre.
A total of 70 youths will be selected by the Coaches to attend the Academy. The

Academy’s main objectives will be to make sure that players understand their roles as representatives of Berbice, the history and rules of the game and that the players become rounded cricketers. Foster stated that since his election in February 2019, Berbice cricket has enjoyed a remarkable transition with the Board being financially stable, cricket is being played at all levels, clubs being established in every village, while numerous developmental programmes are held on a regular basis.
The Board is aiming for at least 30 tournaments in 2019 at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Under-23, Intermediate, Female, Double Wicket, Primary and Secondary Schools, Inter-zone, Second-Division and First-Division levels.
Foster expressed gratitude to Dr Singh for his continued confidence in the Board and investment into the development of youths. Dr Singh was described as a true friend of Berbice cricket and Foster disclosed that the BCB will be presenting its highest award to him.
Dr Singh, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to be associated with the current leadership of the BCB as his donation was well used and accounted for, and he was delighted to play a major role in developing the talent of players who would follow in the footsteps of other highly-recognised Berbicians. The US-based medical doctor urged the Board to uphold the high standard it has set and to continue to work even harder to achieve even more success in the future. He reassured Foster of his continued cooperation in the future, as he was excited about the progress of Berbice cricket. Dr Singh’s brother, Puran, who is based in Barbados, last week announced that he was sponsoring the BCB Financial Stipend Programme for National Players at the cost of $200,000.