TTCB – News

Eastern Credit Union $.6M cricket boost
March 14, 2011

EASTERN Credit Union’s vice-president Christopher Power, second from left, seals the $.6 million sponsorship deal with president of the T&T Cricket Board Azim Bassarath, second from right, for the Premier Cricket League. At left is Steve Albino, ECU’s Acting Group CEO while at right is Dudnath Ramkessoon, first vice-president of the T&TCB and chairman of the Premier League.
PHOTO COURTESY T&TCB

EASTERN Credit Union is committed to the development of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and for the fifth straight year will sponsor the Premier League involving the top clubs bidding for attractive prizes and incentives.

At the recent launch of the two-day competition which ends on the weekend of May 14, 15 and organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board it was revealed that Eastern Credit Union’s overall expenditure this season will cost more than $600,000.

The fact that one of the leading credit unions was standing solidly behind the top local cricket competition in the midst of financial concerns by corporate organisations was not lost on Christopher Power, vice-president of Eastern Credit Union.

Speaking at a media conference at the ECU's La Joya, St Joseph headquarters, Power emphasised that to opt out of the relationship with the T&TCB was not an option and that they are going further in 2011 by sponsoring the first ever women’s T20 League competition.

This boost for women’s cricket which is growing in popularity and participation fueled by the emergence of West Indies women’s team captain Merissa Aguilleira and top players such as the Mohammed twin sisters Anisa and Alisa from T&T will cost ECU more than $41,000 in its first season.

“Nothwithstanding our financial contribution to both leagues, we wish to state that Eastern Credit Union will also be hosting the end-of-the-year prize giving ceremony, in addition to providing promotional branding material and outfitting the umpires and match officials,” said Power.

The ECU vice-president also informed the media that an award will also be given at the end of the season to the journalist who is deemed to have provided outstanding coverage of the Premier League.

Power said that it was important that Eastern Credit Union partner with the T&T Cricket Board in making the tournament a reality as it is crucial for the development of a winning national team as players are afforded the opportunity to excel and impress the National Selectors.

“While we continue to rejoice with the Trinidad and Tobago cricket team’s success in the just concluded Caribbean T20 tournament, we strongly believe that it is the continued hosting of tournaments like the Premier League and the Women’s League that sets Trinidad and Tobago cricket apart from our regional brothers and sisters,” said Power.

He said he was also tremendously impressed with the collaboration between Eastern Credit Union and the Cricket Board in having the top players in the Premier League involved in Outreach Progranmes to schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

“This initiative was well-received by both students and teachers. In 2011, Eastern Credit Union intends to have an even greater presence at member schools and league matches where we continue partnering with players from both the Premier League and Women’s League to educate our students and the general public on the sport of cricket and the importance of building a financial future,” said Power.

Power concluded by wishing good luck to all the teams taking part in the Premier League and urged the cricketers to strive for excellence and seek always to practice discipline both on and off the field and to continue to be an inspiration to others..

Also in attendance at the launch of the 2011 Premier Cricket League were top officials of the T&T Cricket Board including president Azim Bassarath, general secretary Arjune Ramlal, Manohar Ramsaran, Administrative Manager; and Anil Kamal, secretary of the Premier League and chairman of the Fixtures Committee.

Representing Eastern Credit Union were vice-president Power, Steve Albino, Acting Group Chief Executive officer; Joanne Romany-Daniel, Marketing Assistant and executive managers and branch managers.