Minister Phillip says Development Bank ensures holistic development and progress

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (February 25, 2013) — Federal Minister of Sport, the Hon Glenn Phillip, has said that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is always happy when partners come on board and assist in the advancing and safeguarding the social agenda of the nation.

Minister Phillip made the remarks on Saturday February 23 at the Conaree Cricket Ground during the official launch of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Cricket League 2013, which is wholly sponsored by the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Mr David Fox of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis making remarks. Others are from left, Pastor Phillip Webbe, Mr Wayne Jones (Chairman of Cricket Committee), Mr Auckland Hector (President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association), the Hon Glenn Phillip, Mrs Carleen Delaney (partly hidden –Secretary of the St. Kitts Cricket Association), and Mr Stanley Franks (Vice President St. Kitts Cricket Association).

“Initiatives like these demand collaboration,” said Hon Phillip. “They demand the type of synergy that only a sponsor like the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis could bring to the organisation of such a tournament.

“The bank has been a shining example of how business sector can partner with civil society and the state to bring about the needed programmes that would ensure holistic development and progress.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Sport, I would like to place on record our profound delight to (the bank’s General Manager) Mr Lenworth Harris, the bank’s representative Mr David Fox, and the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis which once again has partnered in this human development initiative.”

Minister Phillip thanked the St. Kitts Cricket Association for its on-going commitment to the development of sport in the country and observed that it was because of its strategic interventions, its vision and its passion for the sport of cricket that it continues to positively shape the lives of the men and women who play the game.

“I must also praise the organisers and members of the St. Kitts Cricket Association for having recognised the need for structured discipline and competitive experience, that tournaments like this give to athletes,” said the Minister. “Competitions whether on a national, zonal or grassroots level help players to get the experience needed for personal advancement and team advancement along with the holistic advancement of the sport.

Federal Minister of Sport, the Hon Glenn Phillip (extreme left), making remarks to officially launch the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Cricket League 2013.

Representing the General Manager of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr Lenworth Harris, was the bank’s Manager of Loans Management Unit, Mr David Fox, who said that the bank which has been in operation since 1981 has been known to sponsor various aspects of sport over the years, but noted that this year’s cricket sponsorship was the most significant.

“It is very significant because we have decided that we are going to support you gentlemen and so based on that oath that I heard read just a while ago, I do hope that each one of you players recognise your responsibility in this league this year,” said Mr Fox.

“Please make sure that you show up for practice, you do all that you are required to do, based on that oath and I would want to close by telling you that our expectation is very high from this league,” concluded Mr Fox. “Make sure that you deliver for us.”

According to the St. Kitts Cricket Association, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Cricket League 2013 has brought together the best cricketers on the island who have been grouped in four teams, Basseterre, Rural East, Rural West and SKCA Developmental Team. At the end of the league the association will pick a team to represent St. Kitts at the Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs Carleen Delaney, Secretary of the St. Kitts Cricket Association, and was attended by the President Mr Auckland Hector, the Vice President Mr Stanley Franks and other high ranking officials of the association. Mr Shane Venner of the SKCA Developmental Team read the player’s oath, while Mr Luther Kelly, President of St. Kitts Umpires’ Association read the Umpire’s Oath.