The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has hit the ground running for the year 2020 as the vibrant and progressive county board seeks to build on its outstanding work in 2018 and 2019.
Brian Ramphal
The BCB on Monday last received a financial donation of $500,000 from overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, a faithful sponsor of Berbice Cricket. Ramphal, a businessman who operates in the technology field, came on board with the BCB on the recommendation of its former Secretary, Oscar Ramjeet in 2018.
BCB President Hilbert Foster, who leads an aggressive marketing drive to attract funding for the Board’s work, stated that Ramphal since March 2018 has donated over $1.5 million.
The funds have been used for two cricket tournaments, five educational posters, two cricket award ceremony and several coaching clinics. Foster, who was recently re-elected for a second term in a 31-0 landslide victory, hailed Ramphal and another overseas-based Guyanese, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh as one of the main reasons why his presidency has been so successful. Together, they have donated close to $4 million to the coffers of the BCB over the past 20 months.
Ramphal’s 2020 contribution would be used for the third annual Brian Ramphal Award Ceremony, Inter County MVP and Man of the Match Scheme, Coaching Clinics and an Internal Zone 20/20 tournament. Foster disclosed that the BCB in 2020 was aiming to host at least 25 tournaments at different levels, dozens of developmental programmes/events and to assist clubs as much as possible to fulfil their mandate. In 2018 and 2019, the BCB had assisted all clubs in the Ancient County with over $5 million worth of balls, stumps, cricket gear, scorebooks, rain coats, bicycles, school bags and educational materials.
Foster made it quite clear that in 2020, the BCB would only assist clubs who have a junior section and have proper management structures in place. The BCB is working to assist clubs with about $3 million in assistance in 2020.
Ramphal, who is an awardee under the BCB Tribute to Heroes programme, stated that he was very impressed with the work of the Foster-led Board. He disclosed that he has a commitment to assist on an annual basis.
