Social Security Sponsors Four National Cricketers On Leeward Islands Team to Barbados

(The Valley Anguilla) - The Anguilla Social Security Board has sponsored a trip for four young cricketers who will be joining other players in Barbados as part of the Leeward Islands Under-13 Cricket Team. The recipients of Social Security’s donation are Jaidel Richardson (12), Kasem Thompson (13), Wicket Keeper Javez Hamelton (13) and Demetri Adams (10) who has played in Under-13 tournaments since he was seven years old.

Public Relations Officer in the Anguilla Cricket Association Benjamin Hughes said that, over the years, Social Security has played a tremendous role in the development of young cricketers. He stated that this was the first time that Social Security was sponsoring the Barbados trip which is to the tune of US$2,800.00. Mr. Hughes said the sponsorship has been a tremendous help to the Anguilla Cricket Association.

According to Hughes, the importance of the role Social Security plays in the success of the youth in Anguilla’s Cricket cannot be overemphasised. He said it includes the constant supply of balls for the youngsters to practice. “I can’t say thank you enough,” he commented.

Cricket Development Officer in the Sports Directorate Cardigan Connor said the regional Under-13 programme has been running out of St. Kitts for the past 12 years and Anguilla has been involved in it for 11 years. He said the Leeward Islands Board has recognised that the Under-13 tournament is the breeding ground for future cricketers in the region. Anguilla and other Leeward Island territories have requested that the regional Cricket Board allow Under 13 players to be eligible for consideration in the Leeward Islands Under-15 Tournament.

Mr. Connor praised Social Security for stepping forward at this time. He said that, with the current preparation of the Under-15 tournament in Antigua this coming weekend, the government and the Anguilla Cricket Association found it impossible to raise enough funds for the Barbados trip. He stated that this is where Social Security is playing such a major role. “The Association is really grateful,” he added.

Anguilla’s cricketers travelled to Barbados on Monday December 7 and will be playing in matches against teams from Barbados and Trinidad.

Anguilla has the most persons selected in the Leeward Islands Under-13 squad. Hughes commented that it was a testimony to the hard work carried out in Anguilla over the years. He said it was now paying off.

The Anguilla Four will be in Barbados for 12 days. Secretary of the Anguilla Cricket Association Matthew Jordon is accompanying them. The four were selected in St. Kitts. Social Security wishes them success as they represent Anguilla and the sub-region.