Six teams are this year competing in the Caribbean Commercial Bank’s (CCB) Cricket League. The opening ceremony was held on Saturday March 13 when the declaration for the opening of the season was given by Acting Minister of Sports, Victor Banks.
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2004 CCB Senior Cricket League
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Teams competing this year are the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, the Police, the Masters, All Stars, the Farrington and the Nagico Upsetters. There will be two rounds and the matches are expected to finish in May.
President of the Anguilla Cricket Association, Gerard Gumbs, encouraged the teams to play hard and fair, and to show respect for umpires. He called on the umpires to respect the players, show tolerance, be punctual and professionally dedicated. He said the Association was truly grateful to the CCB and that through them a solid foundation was being built. He noted that the Police have a team this year and he saw that as good for building a good relationship between the Police and the public.
It is the 13th year that the CCB has sponsored the League and Trevor Woodley, representing the Bank, said we are delighted to do so. He noted that cricket is part of life in the region and told the players that their success is CCB’s return. He appealed to the public to support the Cricket League matches.
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Address by Mr. Victor Banks, Acting Minister of Sports
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Victor Banks stressed that the development of sports was very important for the development of the country as it develops leadership, team work and discipline. In addition, he said, sports tourism can help economic development. He observed that it was important for young people to be involved in wholesome activities and that the Government was committed to supporting sports. Banks urged the players to conduct themselves in a responsible manner on and off the field and to play so that supporters are able to enjoy the game. He said he looked forward to an exciting CCB League and was hopeful that the Cricket Association will continue to produce players to represent Anguilla at a higher level.
A top football player in the United States, Morton Anderson, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, was in attendance at the opening. He spoke of hoping to assist in sports on the island which he has visited regularly for the past six years. He presented Kansas City Chiefs caps to the Under 19 Cricket team players.
The invocation was given by Bishop Brooks, the National Anthem and National Song were played by Michael “Dumpa” Martin (on the steel pan) and the vote of thanks was given by secretary of the Cricket Association, Michael Skellekie.
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