I wish to congratulate Mr Roger Harper on his election as President of the Georgetown Cricket Associa-tion (GCA). He takes over an association that has had a very fruitful three years and I am sure that with his expertise and experience, he and his team can build on the sound footing which has been established.
I wish to offer some suggestions:-
Competitions: During the past three years the Georgetown Cricket Association was able to run several competitions, including two at the first division level (a three-day, later changed to a two-day) round robin competition, and in 2008 there was also a 40-overs competition. At the second division level, there were three competitions – a two-day competition in addition to a 40-overs match and a 20/20 competition. The 40-overs competition was played once, but it should be maintained as a regular feature. There was also an under-15 competition sponsored by former President Alfred Mentore, an under-19 competition which was played in 2007-8 and is also currently being played, and an over-40 competition. These should all be maintained in addition to maybe a third division competition.
Umpires fees: Since 2007 the association has been paying full umpires fees (with the exception of the over-40 competition for which the association provided the balls. This policy should also be maintained in 2010.
Cricket balls: In 2008, each first division club was given three boxes of balls and each second division club received two boxes of balls. This policy should also continue in 2010.
Life skills: When Mr Mentore became President in 2009, he indicated that there should be a marriage between education and cricket, and he said he would try to promote seminars on life skills. True to his word, in January this year, with the help of the Commonwealth Youth Pro-gramme, two such seminars were held. The association should continue with these types of seminar and ensure the marriage continues.
School cricket: In 2008, schools were encouraged to participate in the association’s competition and kits were given to four schools. This also should be encouraged and maintained.
Coaching: Coaching is important and now that the association is blessed with several former cricketers and coaches, these individuals may wish to fan out to the various clubs in the afternoon to help in the technical development of the young players. There is no better way for the former cricketers around the GCA administration to give back than to help with the coaching at the clubs. Further, the clubs that supported this new administration should demand no less.
Presentation ceremony: In May 2008 there was an outstanding presentation at the Georgetown Cricket Club. The feature Speaker was Mr Stephen Camacho, the former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman and former Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board. The GCA should move swiftly to organize a similar ceremony before the start of the new season. I recall cricketers not only received trophies and plaques, but they received bats, boots and gloves. There was also a ‘Groundsman of the Year’ award, and that award was made in the name of the late legendary groundsman, Badge Menzies. In addition, all the former presidents, secretaries and treasurers were honoured. It was a grand event, the likes of which I am sure the Harper-led association can replicate, if not surpass.
I hope the association can continue on the development path set; implementing the above will assist greatly.
Yours faithfully,
Wayne Hendricks
