Guyana Chronicle online Written by Calvin Roberts
Wednesday, 09 March 2011
PRESIDENT of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Roger Harper last Saturday challenged the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) to develop players who are capable of representing not only Guyana, but also the West Indies.
“Certainly, Berbice have been a dominant force in local cricket and this ceremony being held here tonight is testament to such, since it’s you the players who performed exceedingly well on the cricket field during the past year are being honoured, as you helped Berbice to their various titles.
“Having said that, I also want to challenge the BCB to produce players who are capable of making not only a Guyana team, but the West Indies team in the long run,” said Harper, who was delivering a brief address at the fourth annual BCB Awards Ceremony which was held at the New Amsterdam State House.
Using former West Indies middle-order batsman Basil Butcher as an example, the former West Indies all-rounder and coach, called on the young players to stop being satisfied with where they are and strive for higher heights.
“A few years ago, I was at the New Amsterdam Stelling and I saw Basil Butcher. I left what I was doing and went across to him and offered my assistance, since he was in need of help.
“The attendant there was in awe and asked me if I knew him, while enquiring if he was my father, uncle or even a distant relative.
“I said no, but continued to say that because of him (Basil Butcher), I am who I am today. He set the trail for cricketers like myself and many other Guyanese who played Test cricket to follow and I say to you, don’t be satisfied with what you are in relation to the game, but strive for higher heights.”
Using the current rift within the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) as an example of what is taking place in Guyana’s cricket, Harper consoled his audience that included Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Conrad Plummer, New Amsterdam Mayor Claude Henry and Regional Chairman of Region Six Zulfiqar Mustapha, that same will not continue for a long period.
“There are a lot of negative talks circulating when it comes to Guyana and its cricket, but change is going to happen and that change will bring a turnaround in the fortunes of our cricket.
“It cannot continue like this and in order for it to stop, we need the right people that have the game at heart administering our cricket, not those who are hungry for power and position.”
Harper closed by offering heartfelt congratulations to the BCB on another successful year, while urging them to go one step further this year.