Ramphal and friends assist BCB with over $200K in gear

As a ripple effect of their unwavering dedication to the sport of cricket, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to attract assistance from equally benevolent patrons in their quest to better the cricketing world in the Ancient County.

The most recent of these donations was a collection of cricket gear to the tune of $200,000. The charge on the donation was led by Brian Ramphal with the support of his cousins – Raj Mathura, Sham Mathura and Michael Rampersaud – who all reside abroad. The donation will be utilised in the BCB’s countywide Coaching Programme and preparation of inter-county teams.
Ramphal, who earlier this year donated $1 million to Berbice cricket for several programmes, was this time supported by his cousins.
BCB President Hilbert Foster, during the presentation ceremony at the St Francis Training Centre, hailed the support of Ramphal and his friends on behalf of Berbice cricket. Foster noted that Ramphal came on board with the Board, on the advice of former Board Secretary Oscar Ramjeet and donated $1 million of his personal funds.
Ramphal’s funding was used to host a two-day Training Programme for 40 Pre-Level One Coaches, Double Wicket Tournament, Annual Award Ceremony and the publication of educational posters.
A 30-page magazine will also be published in early December as part of Ramphal’s sponsorship. The BCB President noted that Ramphal, along with Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, has been the largest donor to the BCB in 2018, by virtue of achieving the seven-digit mark.
Both overseas-based donors were introduced to the Cricket Board by Ramjeet, who served as the Board Liaison Officer in the United States. The Board’s success on and off the cricket field over the past eight months has been achieved because of great support of sponsors, local and overseas.
The Foster-led administration in February of 2018 inherited a meagre $42,865 in the BCB bank account and through an aggressive and well-planned marketing drive, has been able to raise over $8 million worth of cash and contributions for Berbice cricket.
Administrator Angela Haniff stated that the donated gear would be used by the BCB Coaches in coaching outreaches while young cricketers who did not have their own gear would readily have access to them at trial matches.
Haniff noted that the Board was grateful to Ramphal and family for the contribution, and pledged to make sure that the gear was used for the intended purposes.
Ramphal stated that he was honoured to assist Berbice cricket as he was very impressed by the vision, achievements, accountability and hard work of the current administration. He noted that he was a strong follower of the legacy of Berbice cricket despite not being a Berbician.
Ramphal stated that he was satisfied that the funds were well used, and pledged to work along with Berbice cricket in the future. He expressed confidence in the future of Berbice cricket under its current leadership.