GCB renders assistance to Parika Salem Community Ground

Secretary of GCB, Anand Sanasie turning the sod, in the presence of Alvin Johnson, ECB Executive Member (left), Raywattie Autar, Vice Chairperson of the NDC (partially hidden) and Colin Stuart, TDO of the GCB (right)
Secretary of GCB, Anand Sanasie turning the sod, in the presence of Alvin Johnson, ECB Executive Member (left), Raywattie Autar, Vice Chairperson of the NDC (partially hidden) and Colin Stuart, TDO of the GCB (right)

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) visited the Parika Salem Community Centre Ground on Thursday to host a simple but significant ceremony to signal the commencement of an upgrade to the venue.

 According to the GCB, two all-weather practice pitches will be upgraded by December of this year and will be enclosed with two practice net cages.

Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, commended the grounds men as well as the members of the Parika Neighbourhood Democratic Council on the ongoing development at the ground.

He noted that the facility would be used in the future for practice by clubs in the area and as a base for the Essequibo Franchise team who are the reigning three-day and 50 overs champions.

The programme will be supervised by the GCB Territorial Developmental Officer and former West Indies seamer Colin Stuart.

Sanasie also told those present that it was a necessary step to enhance the production, preparation and practice of talent emerging out of the Essequibo County.

Alvin Johnson extended gratitude to the GCB on behalf of the Essequibo community and stated that he anticipates that within the next two months, the facility will be up to standard.

He highlighted plans to advertise on the concrete fence at a cost, which would bring in revenue to maintain the facility. Johnson also stated that with the commitment of the GCB, the facility will be equipped in a timely manner, and in return, their long-term commitment would be to ensure that the facility produces top-class cricketers.

This is the second such facility to be built in Essequibo as the Anna Regina Hostel also has two turfs and two concrete practice net facilities.