The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has shifted its gear distribution programme to the East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) with a donation of more than one million dollars’ worth of cricket equipment.
The presentation was made by GCB President Bissoondyal Singh to EBCA President Puneet Jaigopaul in the presence of executives and players of various clubs on East Bank of Demerara, and with GCB executives in attendance.
In addressing those gathered for this occasion, the GCB President expressed delight at making what he referred to as “a significant donation”. He remarked that “the donation is important not only in monetary terms, but its value to the youth players involved in the game on East Bank Demerara, allowing them to participate in training sessions and matches without having to consider the additional burden of purchasing gear.
“Consequently, we are happy that players took the time to attend this presentation, which tells us about your interest in the game and the exemplary work your executives are doing.”
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh handing over donation of gear to EBCA President Puneet Jaigopaul
President Singh made this point, “We, at the GCB, recognise that EBCA have demonstrated strong leadership. In approximately one year, a lot of development works have been done, including the upgrade of the Farm Ground and the hosting of regular training sessions for players. We are proud of your achievements, and realize that many associations and committees are endeavouring to do likewise. This is a very good sign, and the GCB is immensely pleased that East Bank Demerara is producing national players.”
President Singh received resounding applause when he committed to making the Farm Community Centre ground an Academy Centre for males and females in the GCB’s Planned Academy Programme.
Singh said: “We expect the EBCA to work collaboratively with the GCB and its affiliates to make GCB’s Academy Programme a success.”
Additionally, he pointed out that there would be five Academies in Demerara, six in Berbice, and seven in Essequibo; and he said the Academies are designed to roll out a comprehensive plan previously never seen in Guyana.
Further, President Singh said, “The Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart will soon submit the detailed programme requirements and needs for Cricket Academies across the country. We are grateful for the cooperation from EBCA, and urge President Puneet Jaigopaul and his team to ensure that players, coaches, scorers, umpires and match referees across your Association put all efforts into improving their standards.”
Puneet Jaigopaul, President of the East Bank Cricket Association, has indicated that the EBCA is particularly happy to receive this substantial donation of gear from the GCB, since the gear is important to the clubs.
Well-equipped clubs provide encouragement to parents to send their children to participate in cricket training. President Jaigopaul specially thanked President Bissoondyal Singh and other executives of the GCB for the inclusive and exceptional work being performed to develop and promote cricket across Guyana.
