DF&GIC & BCBC unveil U-19 inter-zone competition

Feb 26, 2009 Sports

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Sponsor to outfit teams with polo shirts

By Franklin Wilson
The Berbice Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) has continued its quest of ensuring cricket is played in the Ancient County more than ever before with the unveiling of yet another competition.
Yesterday at the head office, High Street Kingston, the Diamond Fire & General Insurance Company (DF&GIC) announced their sponsorship of the BCBC’s under-19 inter-zone tournament which will commence some time next month featuring four (4) zones.

In giving details of the package, DF&GIC Manager Tara Chandra said at Diamond Insurance, they are very conscious of the role cricket has played in the evolution of our society and they are very happy to be part of the development of this great game.
“In choosing to partner with the BCBC, we note the progress they have made over the years and we wish to give our support. We hope that through this sponsorship we would help the Berbice Board and the Guyana Board in identifying more Rohan Kanhai’s and more Clive Lloyd’s as we strive to regain our ascendency not only for Guyana but also for the West Indies.”

Chandra declared that they are well aware of the contribution Berbice cricket has made over the years by producing quality players for Guyana and the West Indies, the likes of John Trim, Ivan Madray, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Alvin Kallicharran and Roy Fredericks.
Former GCB Secretary and President of the Georgetown Cricket Association Bishwa Panday, was instrumental in securing the funding for the BCBC.
DF&GIC offers Insurance coverage throughout Guyana and have two branches in Berbice.
“We hope that with this sponsorship we will be able to give back to the community of Berbice as we strive to work in partnership for development not only of our customers but also for cricket.”

The company will also be sponsoring coloured polo shirts for the four competing teams.
Responding on behalf of the Board, Public Relations Officer Hilbert Foster disclosed that the two-day competition which would be contested at the under-19 level will involve West Berbice / Berbice River, New Amsterdam / Canje, Lower Corentyne / Black Bush Polder and Central Corentyne.
The competition format will see West Berbice / Berbice River taking on New Amsterdam / Canje at the Blairmont ground while the other two teams will clash at the Skeldon ground.

The respective winners will advance to the final with the losers facing off in the third and fourth place game.
Thirty-five thousand and a trophy are at stake for the winning team with the runner up pocketing $25,000. The third place winner receives $20,000and the loser, $15,000. Continuing the norm of encouraging players to aim for high standards educationally, educational packages will be awarded to the man-of-the-match in each game, the best batsman and bowler of the tournament as well as the player of the final.
Foster explained that the inter-zone initiative will be used as trial matches to select teams at each level as the current system of trial matches has proven to be less than adequate where the senior players tend to just go through the motion.

The sponsor was assured that the tournament will be well organised and their business would be promoted and that all monies donated will be used for its intended purpose.
“It is our hope that this would be the start of a long and productive relationship between the company and the Board and together we can produce more high caliber players, the ilk of Chattergoon, Deonarine, Fudadin and Crandon.”
Gratitude was also expressed to Bishwa Panday whom he said is without a doubt, a true friend of cricket who is committed to the development of the game despite not being in leadership no more. “I want to assure you that the BCBC is very happy for your assistance and we look forward to working along with you in the future.”

Among some other plans the BCBC have for 2009 is their first ever cricket academy to be launched shortly, the second edition of the Berbice Cricket Review, a bi-monthly TV programme and press conferences to keep their stakeholders and shareholders informed on progress and developments.
In announcing that the BCBC will be celebrating 70 years of existence in July, Foster declared that the current executive was fully aware of the hard work made by those who served before and as such they have pledged that the BCBC will be a role model and pacesetter not only for other boards in Guyana but the Caribbean.

This year he said would be the best ever for the Ancient County with tournaments projected to be played at every level, under-13, 15, 17, 19, 23, first & second division and female.
Also present at yesterday’s launch were BCBC First and Third Vice Presidents, David Black and Ricardo Bachan and DF&GIC Assistant Manager, Christopher Williams.

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