Berbice cricket clubs agree players must have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine for 2021 matches

– both doses required for 2022 matches
President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, last Wednesday met with representatives of over thirty cricket clubs in the county at the Albion Cricket Ground, as the vibrant cricket board continued its outreach programme.
The meeting was held as the board seeks to restart its 2021 cricket season, which was put on hold due to onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing rainy season. Representatives of the clubs and the board agreed to restart the season in late September or early October with a set of rules in place.
Clubs informed the BCB that they would need at least three weeks after the end of the rainy season to get venues in order and properly prepared.
Foster warned the clubs that, due to the long layoff because of the pandemic, many players might have quit the game, and as such, they might have to seek new members at both the junior and senior levels.
Clubs present agreed that all players shall have to have at least one dose of the vaccine to play in BCB tournaments in 2021, while both doses would be required for tournaments in the new year.
Persons with underlying conditions would be required to submit medical reports if for some reason they are unable to take the vaccine.
Foster has said that while taking the vaccine is a personal choice, the board has to look at the broader picture involving the health of all players and its officials.
Clubs also agreed that the BCB should seek the advice of the National COVID-19 Task Force on the issue of spectators at venues, although they recommend that only vaccinated persons should be present as spectators.
The BCB President urged the clubs to promote the importance of taking up the Government’s offer of free vaccines.
The board would be hosting tournaments at the following levels: under-13, under-15, under-17, under-19, under-23, female, internal zone, second division and first division for the rest of the year, with several being played on a knockout basis due to the limited time available.
The BCB President also informed the gathering that the board would be hosting five mini-cricket academies across Berbice: at Hopetown, Edinburgh, Canje, Albion and Upper Corentyne. A total of 225 youths would be involved in the academies, with the top coaches of the BCB at the helm.

The historic youth coaching manual would also be unveiled shortly, and would be distributed free of cost to clubs with junior members and to members of the five academies.
Discussions were also held on the distribution of millions of dollars’ worth of cricket gear which would be arriving in the country shortly from England. It was disclosed that promising youth players selected by their clubs would benefit, along with clubs that have junior sections.
Clubs were also informed that the board would be purchasing its second set of pitch covers as it strives to have a set in every sub-association. The first set is being stored at the Albion Ground, while the new one would be stored at the Cotton Tree Ground for usage of cricketers in the West Berbice area.
The Upper Corentyne area would be next in line to receive a pitch cover, followed by New Amsterdam/ Canje. It is the first time in the history of the board that it would be having its own covers.
Foster also committed to finding sponsorship for another four grass cutters under the BCB Ground Improvement project at the special request of some clubs.
The board has already handed over 22 grass cutters under the project, with the main objective of assisting clubs to prepare their venues for matches. Clubs were reminded that for 2021 alone, the BCB has assisted them with scorebooks, balls, cricket gears, uniforms, cycles, trophies, catching cribs, school bags, grass cutters, educational grants for students, youth development booklets and food hampers, among other items.
At conclusion of the meeting, the BCB President expressed gratitude to every club for their support during his term of office, and pleaded with them to work even harder. He said Berbice cricket is the most dynamic and best-organised in the country, and committed his administration to continue leading the way.