“Digicel hands over $12,000 cheque, cabinet meeting aborted.”

 BASSETERRE – ST. KITTS (February 16^th, 2010) – At the official opening ceremony of the 2010 Nevis Cricket League, held at Ramsbury Grounds in Nevis, Digicel announced its commitment of twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) in support of local cricket.

President Ronald Powell of the Nevis cricket association expressed his gratitude to Digicel for coming on board to help cricket in Nevis. The president apologized to Digicel for numerous calls made. However, Digicel’s Marketing Manager – Sharez Laws expressed that she welcomed the phone calls and was delighted to be on board.

Sharez further stated, “Digicel is always happy to contribute to programs that assist with developing youths and steering them in a positive direction. To the young aspiring cricketers here with us today, you can decide your own faith. Your attitude will determine your reach, work hard and I can assure you it will definitely pay off.”

She was high in praise for the efforts of the NCA and asked the young cricketers present to emulate individuals like Kieran Powell and Nelson Boland. She then presented a cheque valued $12,000.00 to President Ronald Powell.

The Nevis Island cabinet was heavily represented and it was noted that they aborted a cabinet session just to be a part of the opening ceremony as a demonstration of what cricket means to the present Government. Hon Carlisle Powell, Minister of Works and former NCA and Leewards Islands Cricket President addressed the gathering and were high in praise for the President Powell and his entire executive. “It must have been extremely difficult for them to take over after the Stanford millions had been used up”, he stated. He was also high in praise for the sponsorship efforts of Digicel and the Nevis Credit Union and other sponsors. ‘This 36 square mile island has produced more international cricketers than any other 36 square mile patch in the world”, he stated proudly. He challenged the young players present to repeat a feat of previous years when Nevis had three international players in the same West Indies 13 man line up in Stuart Williams, Keith Arthurton and Carl Tuckett.

Minster of Sports Hon Hensley Daniel was quick to remind the gathering that quite a number of his cabinet colleagues were former Presidents of the NCA and therefore CRICKET was a high priority item on his cabinet’s agenda. He indicated that his Government ‘sees sports as a Public health measure and a celebration of excellence”.   He singled out under 19 Leeward Island representatives in Lornel Dore, Nelson Boland and Kejel Tyson as role models for the young cricketers present to emulate.

He was high in praise for the efforts of all of the sponsors and challenged other business entities to assist in this regard. He further challenged the cricketers to allow CRICKET to assist in shaping their character and build lasting relationships. He then officially declared the 2010 Nevis Cricket league open.