SVGCA establishes a new partnership

A newly formed partnership between the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) and Ridgeview Construction should yield good returns and further develop this country’s cricket programme.{{more}}

Last year April, the cricket association unveiled plans to develop the Buccament Bay Playing Field. The plans included the erection of a stand that would have housed a dressing room.

Additionally, the association intended to improve the outfield as well as put down an additional strip on the existing pitch.

These plans are still in train but will be in the hands of the association’s new partner.

President of the SVGCA Julian Jack told SEARCHLIGHT last Monday that the construction firm has taken over the project.

“They plan to do the realignment of the river as well as do some modifications to the plans for the pavilion and that this should be starting later in the year,” Jack revealed.

Ridgeview is the firm constructing the cabanas of Buccament Bay Development Project.

Originally to be borne by the association, Jack said that this meant the use of the funds for other cricket development.

“We are putting down concrete strips in some areas, Lauders, South Rivers, in all 12 strips including one in Bequia,” he added.

The local cricket association was among 18 other regional associations that were recipients of US $100 000 start up money for participation in the inaugural Stanford 20/20 tournament last year.

As part of the arrangement the respective associations had to identify a major development undertaking. The SVGCA then announced the development of the Buccament facility.

The association had already acquired a bowling machine, a catching cradle, a roller, a tractor mower and two water hogs to assist in the overall upkeep of the field.

He said that his organisation was looking at other areas of cricket development to fully utilise the funds.

Jack pointed to the present fast bowling clinic conducted by former West Indies fast bowler Nixon Mc Lean was one way of putting the money to use.

In addition, from that initial lump sum, like the others, the local organisation was in line to receive US$10,000 per month as stipend for players and coaches. Also forming part of the package was an additional US$5,000 each month for preparation of the training grounds. In total each team was offered a guaranteed sum of US$280,000.

Treasurer of the association, Daniel Mac Millan, told SEARCHLIGHT that so for the organisation has used up just under EC $300,000 of the funds.

The next Stanford 20/20 tournament is set for early next year.