The collaborative effort between the Berbice Cricket Board and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce was taken a step further with the launching of the joint 20/20 cricket initiative, which is scheduled to be held on 26th May Independence Day at the Albion Sports complex. The tournament will be played under the theme “Celebrating Guyana Struggles, molding our future through the development of sports.”
The launching ceremony was done recently in the board room of The BCCDA. Speaking at the ceremony, President of The BCCDA, banker, Imran Sacoor stated that it was a pleasure for his organization to have the privilege and the opportunity to work with such a dynamic organization as the BCB.
He stated that it was a pleasure for the BCCDA to be a part of the joint venture with the BCB. He mentioned that when the BCB visited the BCCDA a few weeks ago and the idea came up. It was jumped upon, because the BCCDA saw it as an opportunity for the two organizations to work together in a new relationship to do better and good things for the Berbice community which they both served.
He stated that they have always admired the work of the BCB and over time, see themselves as doing big and wonderful things for the community. He mentioned that Cricket is a wonderful way to start. He stated that they want to make the activity an annual venture and for it to be a part of the National sports Calendar in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. He said that the ministry has already being notified and are delighted about the plans.
Mr Sacoor stated that the day is ideal, noting that on Independence Day not much happens in Berbice. He stated that Independence unites people. The concept of Independence is a struggle that was fought for by everyone and Guyana was successful.
He mentioned that the BCCDA as a business body and a parent organisation is always willing to partner with others in doing good things for the community in which they operate and garner their support.
Speaking on the tournament Anil Beharry Treasurer of the BCB and also an executive member of the BCCDA stated that the organizers want to make it the biggest cricket tournament in Guyana. He stated that they have already put together a body made up of persons of both organizations who are working on plans for the big day.
Prize monies totaling over $1M will be at stake, while patrons will be eligible to collect attractive gate prizes. Four teams will be involved in the tournament with all the top players in Guyana and a few from the West Indies taking part. Two teams will be from Berbice, while the other two will be finalized shortly. The tournament will be a day and night affair.
A number of activities will be organized for children including, Merry Go round, Trampoline, castle and other activities, while a number of dignitaries will be invited and patrons will be treated to a full night of Cultural activity which will also include Fireworks.
Proceeds from the activity will be used by both organizations to enhance their community work.