Arnos Vale, St. Vincent – Cricketers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be getting $250 each from the SVGCA Inc.
In an executive meeting held remotely by the national cricket body on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the decision was made to establish a Cricket Aid Fund of $10,500, as support for cricketers negatively impacted by COVID-19. The fund is expected to cover two players of each of 21 clubs participating in the cricket competitions that have started so far this year, namely NLA Premier Division, NLA First Division, and Women’s Super 40.
The criteria for the selection of players have been communicated to the clubs. The fund is already available, and all payments are expected to be made by Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
President of SVGCA Inc., Dr. Kishore Shallow, who signed the letter addressed to the clubs, said that this gesture would hopefully help to cushion a bit of the challenge faced by local cricketers amid COVID-19. He further added, “These are unprecedented times and challenges, and as this cricket executive body has shown on other occasions, we consider our role in society much more than producing cricketers, our purpose has always been one of comprehensive reach and impact.”
Other decisions made at the virtual meeting were:
1. All three tournaments that have been halted will remain suspended until at least May when there would be another review of the national health situation;
2. All national team training will continue to be on hold. However, players are urged to maintain their fitness individually, and where requested, would be provided with a fitness program;
3. The National Club Championship (50 overs tournament), which was to follow the NLA Premier Division and NLA First Divison is canceled for this year;
4. The NLA Neil Williams T20 tournament will take place in September – October this year, instead of the usual June – July;
5. SVGCA’s office will be open only on Mondays and Wednesdays until May.
Earlier this year, January, the SVGCA Inc. furnished the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School with whiteboards for each classroom, at an estimated value of $10,000. In a personal opinion recently published on iWitness News and Sport Caraibe, a list of accomplishments in 2019 by the SVGCA Inc. was highlighted as recognition of the Association of the Year (2017 & 2018).