Cricket all around the country is being boosted as the Guyana Cricket Board continues to upgrade facilities in all three counties with support from the Stanford 20/20 tournament. The Board received an initial US$100,000 to be used for the development of facilities and they have been doing just that.
Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart told Stabroek Sport that the largest project the GCB had embarked on was the rehabilitation of the Bermine ground. He said that the ground had not been used for a number of years and extensive works had to be done.
Stuart said that the ground had to be dug up and rolled and the pitch had to be reconstructed. Additionally, one concrete pitch and one turf pitch are being constructed beyond the boundary line. A score board was also constructed.
Another large project that fell under the upgrading of facilities is the construction of a practice facility for national players at the Guyana National Industrial Corpo-ration (GNIC) ground. The facility which is currently being constructed features two concrete pitches, 4 turf pitches, changing rooms and a small viewing area for selectors. Works are expected to be completed next month if all goes according to schedule, according to GCB President Chetram Singh.
The Anna Regina ground is also benefiting from an upgrade. The outfield was somewhat uneven and has been stripped in preparation for the low points to be refilled after which the ground will be rolled. The pitch also received some work, while a score board, two side screens and a press box were constructed. A scoreboard and a commentator's booth were also constructed at Skeldon.
In addition to the US$100,000, the GCB has been receiving US$5,000 monthly to upkeep existing facilities up to February 2007. This has been used to do remedial works at Suddie, Charity and Bush Lot, Corentyne. Additionally, the GCB is stocking up on a chipper machine, a rotary tiller, a motorized roller and a back blade, among other equipment.
Meanwhile, 21 coaches have been appointed countrywide with an additional US$10,000 for a monthly stipend provided by the Stanford 20/20 organisation. For winning the tournament Guyana received another US$100,000 which Stuart said is likely to be used to construct an indoor facility in the country.