POWERGEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS CRICKET LEAGUE
January 23rd 2009

PowerGen: Bright future for T&T cricket

“Having followed the fortunes of the various players in the PowerGen Secondary Schools League over the years, we at PowerGen, feel confident that there is bright future for Trinidad and Tobago cricket, and by extension, the Caribbean.”

This was stated by Adrian Benjamin, PowerGen’s Corporate Communications Officer, at the official launch of the SSCL yesterday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

Benjamin said that the SSCL has already benefited hundreds of the nation’s young and aspiring cricketers, which is clearly a step in the right direction. “ The league’s competitions give our young people an opportunity to develop their skills and it has also taught them that the only true road to success is through hard work and discipline.

“ Our undoubted commitment to youth development through cricket is evidenced by the fact that this is the 14th consecutive year that PowerGen has been the official sponsor of the Secondary Schools Cricket League. And over the years, PowerGen is proud to have witnessed the growth and progress of the league. This sponsorship, along with our current sponsorship of the National Youth Development Cricket Coaching Programmes, has made PowerGen the largest contributor to the development of youth cricket in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, “ Benjamin.

He said that it is heartening to see some of the recent products of the PowerGen SSCL making a name for themselves at the highest level, including Daren Ganga, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Dave Mohammed, Amit Jaggernauth and Richard Kelly, who are some of the notable graduates of the league.

Benjamin said that his organisation is convinced that there are more T&T and West Indies stars waiting in the wings to be discovered as a result of their exploits in the SSCL.

“ Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies cricket need the SSCL to be the training ground from which future players of quality will be developed,” Benjamin added.

Also speaking at the launch was President of the SSCL, William Wallace, who is also an executive member of the T&T Cricket Board.

Wallace praised the efforts of PowerGen for its continued support and commitment to the nation’s young sportsmen and sportswomen.

“ We are embarking on the 2009 season with the grim reality of a world-wide recession facing us and with grave apprehension of how this can impact on organisations such as ours.

This scenario brings directly into focus the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago and its continued support and commitment to Secondary Schools cricket in these challenging times,” Wallace said.

“The relationship between PowerGen and the SSCL is now in the 14th year and this year’s decision would have been made, I am certain, after board room discussions that resulted in cuts in many areas. The SSCL extends its sincere gratitude to PowerGen for their continued support in these times of uncertainty,” Wallace added.

He thanked the T&TCB, for the invaluable support they have been giving the organisation and hope that it will continue in 2009.

Also attending the launch were T&TCB’s president, Deryck Murray, and CEO and General Secretary, Forbes Persaud, and Bachan Boochoon of the Ministry of Education.