(Basseterre, St Kitts, May 06, 2024) – On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Republic Bank (EC) Limited (RBEC) officially opened the second edition of its “Five for Fun” cricket initiative at its RBEC branch in Nevis.
Present at the event were representatives from the St. Kitts Cricket Association, the Nevis Cricket Association, the Ministry of Education and Sports and participants and coaches from the ‘Five for Fun’ programme.
Designed for both boys and girls at the primary school level, ‘Five for Fun’ is an under-12 short-format cricket competition aimed at building a strong foundation for the future of cricket. The programme nurtures a love for the game and provides opportunities for young individuals to develop their potential. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) with support from the National Cricket Associations and the relevant government ministries.
Mr. Dennis Phillip, President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association thanked the Bank and CWI for their partnership and support. He also spoke about the importance of cricket in young people’s development.
Mr. Carlisle Powell, President of the Nevis Cricket Association, spoke enthusiastically about the importance of female inclusion and the joy that comes from participating in this programme. He also noted that the programme has grown since its inaugural year with nine teams now planned to participate in Nevis alone.
Mr. Jarmir Claxton, Director of Sports, in his remarks, referred to lessons he has learned on how the programme can best benefit children.
Former Cricket West Indies President, Ricky Skerritt, applauded Republic Bank for their investment in cricket, noting that the Bank understands that it is investing in the future and wellbeing of young people. He drew a comparison between Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme to what previously existed.
Pamela Herbert Daniel, Republic Bank’s Country Manager for St. Kitts and Nevis, in her remarks, spoke to the importance of cricket to the people of the Caribbean and emphasized the Bank’s commitment to growing and developing the sport.
This grassroots youth cricket programme, ‘Five for Fun,’ is just one of the many initiatives that the Bank is involved in through its corporate social responsibility arm. Republic Bank is also the title sponsor and official Bank of the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) and boasts of other initiatives, such as its online portal for cricket content known as the Spirit of Caribbean Cricket.
The ‘Five for Fun’ programme is intended to expand to all of Republic Bank’s operating territories, with the programme extending to Grenada this year. This is the second edition of the programme in St Kitts and Nevis.
###
About Republic Bank Five for Fun: Designed for both boys and girls at the primary school level, ‘Five for Fun’ is an under-12 short-format cricket competition aimed at building a strong foundation for the future of cricket. The programme nurtures a love for the game and provides opportunities for young individuals to develop their potential. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) with support from the National Cricket Associations and the relevant government ministries.
Similar to last year’s tournament, each team comprising five (5) players will play five (5) 6-ball overs. A batter faces an over from a single bowler. If a batter is ‘out,’ he or she will still face their allotted over, but 3 runs will be deducted from the team score. Each team must include at least two girls and two boys so that they each have an equal opportunity to bat, bowl, and field. This ensures that everyone gets a fair chance to participate fully in the game, regardless of their gender or skill level.