Walsh hails Berbice’s cricket legacy

…urges players to develop a culture of commitment, hard work, and discipline

“I would really like to visit Berbice not for three days, but for about a week as I am really impressed with what is going on here. Continue to work hard, remain focused and remember that total commitment and discipline are the keys to success.”

These were the words of legendary West Indies player Courtney Walsh as he spoke to dozens of Berbice youth players at the St Francis Community Developers Hall in Rose Hall Town during a three-hour visit to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).
The legendary former fast bowler and West Indies Captain readily accepted an invitation from BCB President Hilbert Foster to visit the Ancient County for an inspirational session with junior players. Walsh was accompanied by West Indies female physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr and West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer. Walsh was involved in an informative segment with Foster, who asked numerous questions on the importance of education, physical fitness and discipline; his legendary career; how to deal with the media and the role of a sport ambassador among others.

Walsh advised the attentive audience to work on all aspects of their game on a daily basis for about three hours and to use disappointments as an incentive to better themselves. Warning that a cricketing career is just for a short period, he urged players to make sure that they pursue their education with a passion. This, he stated, would assist them to have a life after the end of their cricketing career.
Walsh spent a long time speaking to the nine Berbicians who gained selection to the national Under-19 team for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) tournament in Trinidad. He urged them to stick to the basics, to remain focused at all times and to work hard on the weak areas of their game. Captain of the team, Ashmini Munisar expressed thanks to Walsh for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them and impart his vast knowledge to them. She stated that members of the team gained a lot of wisdom from Walsh and she was confident that it would improve their cricketing career.
Meanwhile, the BCB honoured Walsh with its highest award, Tribute to Hero. Board Secretary Angela Haniff inducted Walsh as the 32nd awardee and he also received a special gift and commemorative plaque to mark his visit to the homes of Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredericks, and Alvin Kallicharran.