The GCB welcomed participants to the launch of 2016/2017 National Secondary Schools Cricket League. The GCB indicated that the launch follows the conclusion of one of the GCB’s most prestigious league, that of the Jaguars 3 Day League.
While that league took on a semi-professional nature, where players were paid for their duties, the NSSCL is perceived as very significant, in that it forms a valuable instrument from which the GCB can begin to assess players’ talent and to implement strategies geared at their development. These strategies may include directing players to clubs close to their homes or schools, and to involve them in progressive empowerment programs. The GCB indicated that the league is viewed as invaluable, – irreplaceable, so much so, as it involves a good mix of experience and novices players. It was posited that last years’ league enjoyed participation of such experienced players, such as national youth player Ashmead Nedd.
In fact, an examination of the 2015/2016 NSSCL, found that a number of players from this school league went on to participate in Inter Association and Inter County tournaments.
Like the previous year, GCB/NSSCL will relatively engage 150 schools in the GTU Zone and District format, toward realizing an overall winner. This format will witness an inter school competition within 20 zones/district across the country. The zones matches will then progress to an inter district format, and then national finalist. This same structure shall be employed for the selection of better players within the zones and district. Zones/District, for which there shall be winning zone and district teams. The zones and districts that will be involved in the league are: Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje, West Berbice, Lower East Coast Demerara, Upper East Coast Demerara, North Georgetown, South Georgetown, East Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, High Way, Upper Demerara, West bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara, East Bank Essequibo, Wakenaam, Leguan and Essequibo Coast.
President of the GCB, Mr. Drubahadur in his remarks, thank the school for their overwhelming support to the NSSCL. He indicated that the progress that the GCB is making in the development of players could not be possible without their valuable support. He commended the Ministry of Education, its Allied Unit, the National Sports Commission, and the Child Care and Protection Agency, for the continued sterling contribution to sports, in particular cricket.
Mr. Drubahadur also thanked Digicel for their valuable sponsorship during the 2015/2017 GCB/NSSCl and encouraged them and other corporate sponsors to get on board with the GCB’s progressive cricket development program.
The Administrator of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Gurvey Harry congratulated the GCB for continuing to place emphasis on school cricket, as sports can be easily seen as complementary to academics. Mr. Harry also shared his experience as a school cricketer, giving guidance by encouraging students to make full use of the opportunity provided to them. He also highlighted the fact that many sports personalities are able to enjoy lucrative careers.
Mr. Francois from the Child Care And Protection Agency indicated the significant role the agency is playing in supporting the GCB in delivery coaching programs and competitions to players in a safe and fair environment. He emphasized the nature of the collaborative programs over the 2 years and said that the Child Care And Protection Agency looks forward to assisting the GCB to set policy driven standards.
Minister of Sports, Ms. Nicolette Henry congratulated the GCB for their continued contribution to sports development and society. She also applauded the schools for participating and showing keen interest in the league, and suggested that apart from the league stimulating interest among schools and players, it was likely to foster team work ethics, to act as a reservoir for identifying talent and as a feeder program to channel talent to higher levels. Minister Nicolette Henry indicated that the school league is worthwhile avenue for the nurturing and promotion of youthful talents.
The Secretary of the GCB, Mr. Anand Sanasie thank Minister Nicolette Henry, administrator of the National Sports Commission Mr. Gurvey Harry, Child Care and Protection Agency representative Mr. Francois, the teachers, students and media for being a part of the launch of 2016/2017 NSSCL. He indicated that the feat of the GCB is no easy task, and acknowledge the supportive role that the National Sports Commission is making, along with corporate Guyana to ensure that cricket in Guyana is developed and promoted in the best possible way. Mr. Sanasie opined that the GCB will continue to assess and examine ways in which the Guyana Cricket Board can broaden its delivery of service in manner that is meaningful and productive. He encouraged the schools and players to make full use for the opportunity provided to them, and simultaneously thanked them for their continued participation and support.