Charlestown, Nevis (November 5, 2013) — As the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis’ continues in its role of the development of cricket in the country, it has now turned its focus to the island of Nevis which in the past has produced seven cricketers who would have donned the maroon colours of the Senior West Indies Cricket team.
Acting Director of Youth and Sports in the Nevis Island Administration Mr Jamir Claxton is saying that the latest move by the Development Bank to sponsor the second annual cricket league has won praise among cricketing fans on Nevis as the tournament, which bowls off on November 28, will cover the entire island.
“This cricket league, which initially started in St. John’s but has now been extended island-wide is grateful for your support, and without your support, what we are doing would not be possible,” said Mr Claxton recently when he received a sponsorship cheque from Ms Hyacinth Pemberton, Acting Manager for the Development Bank in Nevis. “The league will officially be called the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Softball Cricket League.”
Ms Pemberton informed Mr Claxton that over the years, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has been actively involved in the lives of the Nevisian public, and it was in keeping with their motto ‘the Bank that lends a helping hand’ that it has partnered with Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Nevis Island Administration in the hosting of the annual cricket tournament.
“Once again the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has come on board to support one of the initiatives of the Department of Youth and Sports,” said Mr Claxton. “On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to extend appreciation and gratitude for your continued contribution towards the development of sports in Nevis.”
According to Mr Claxton so far at least ten men’s and five women’s teams have shown interest and they are hoping that before the actual date of the tournament, more teams will come forward to register. The opening ceremony and the first games will be played at the E.T. Willett Park, following which the games will be taken to the various communities.
“In the early stages all the games will be scheduled for E.T. Willett Park or the Charlestown Secondary School grounds at the Villa, because those are the two most central points, just to attract the crowds and build a momentum, but there are some games that will be played in the various communities that have strong cricket support,” observed Mr Claxton.
According to M Raymond Smith, Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Sports, Nevis Island Administration, communities where action will take place during the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Softball Cricket League will include The Flats in St. John’s, and the V.O.J.N Primary School grounds in Newcastle area.
“With Nevis having raised seven cricketers who have donned the maroon colour of the West Indies Senior Cricket team, the public is looking forward to the league,” noted Mr Smith. “Actually we received a number of calls throughout the last couple of months asking when the league is going to start.”
He explained that the age range of the players will be from teenagers up to people who would have played for Nevis in the past. Concluded the Liaison Officer: “So in some of the games you will have persons as old as 40 and above. Age range is across the board.”