Agriculture Ministry sponsors BCB Junior Cricket Tournament

– Minister Mustapha says donation is in keeping with Gov’t’s commitment to promote socio-economic development

– partial scholarship also given to underprivileged youth pursuing Degree in Agriculture

Today, Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, presented two sponsorship packages to President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Mr. Hilbert Foster.

During a meeting in Fyrish earlier in the month, representatives from the BCB met Minister Mustapha seeking assistance with sponsorship for their Junior Cricket Tournament and assisting a student from the University of Guyana (UG) with his tuition for a year.

Making good on his commitment to assist the Board and the underprivileged youth, Minister Mustapha, today, handed over two cheques to the BCB President at his Regent Street office. The first cheque, valued $300,000, was given as sponsorship for the BCB Junior Cricket Tournament scheduled for the early 2021, while the second cheque, valued $200,000 will go towards covering tuition fees at UG for first year student, Mr. Naeem Khan.

While offering remarks at the simple handing over exercise, Minister Mustapha said the Government remains committed to ensuring all areas and sectors are developed.

“Even as Agriculture Minister, I have a great interest in education and sports. Studies have shown that sports builds character. It teaches discipline and a number of other characteristics that make up a well-rounded individual and as a Government, we will grasp at any opportunity to invest in these types of things. We’d rather invest in sports to keep the youth meaningfully engaged than to have them idle and involved in illegal activities,” Minister Mustapha said.

Commenting on the scholarship, the Minister said investments in education only lead to stronger human capital and increased development in a growing economy.

“This donation will do a far way. So many parents find it hard to send their children to school. The global pandemic also contributed to parents not being able to afford to further their children’s education. This young man was able to beat the odds and make it to the tertiary level. As Minister, when the officials from the BCB came to me for help on his behalf, I didn’t hesitate to make the commitment. His potential is great and I know he will go on to achieve a lot. I would have done this country a disservice had I not put systems in place to assist him. Education is the key to success and this Government is dedicated to building a solid workforce with well-rounded, highly qualified individuals,” Minister Mustapha said.

Meanwhile, the BCB president said the donations will go a long way, as it relates to the tournament and Mr. Khan’s education. Mr. Foster added that it is refreshing to have a Government that sees the value in both national policies and small initiatives like these. He further stated that with the investments already made in the Emergency Budget by Government in the education, agriculture and sports sectors, Guyana will once again be the home of many internationally recognised sports men and women, as well as, persons from other professions.