Republic Bank’s ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket celebrates four years

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

What started as a grassroots development programme has now become a proven pathway to regional glory.

Republic Bank’s ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket officially launched its fourth edition on Thursday at the bank’s Fort Street branch, marking four years of shaping the future of West Indies cricket.

The ceremony drew a who’s who of local cricket, including former West Indies batsman Keith Arthurton, current Women’s West Indies player Jahzara Claxton, Education Permanent Secretary Mrs Lisa Pistana, and Republic Bank management.

But the real proof of the programme’s impact stood in the statistics.

Seven graduates of ‘Five for Fun’ have been selected for this year’s Leeward Islands Under-15 team.

Among them is Karese Farrell, a Charlestown Primary alumnus who now captains the regional side.

“Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ taught me more than just how to bat, bowl, or field,” Farrell said. 

“It taught me discipline, teamwork, and respect. When I look back, I realise that none of this would have been possible without the start I got from this programme. Every big dream starts small with one opportunity, one coach, one moment.”

Nevis Cricket Association President Carlisle Powell reinforced the point: “This invaluable sponsorship helped us lay a sound foundation, with seven players from Nevis, all of whom have their roots in ‘Five for Fun’, selected to the Leeward Islands Under-15 team this year.”

The 2024 edition’s Most Valuable Player, Deshawn James of Violet O. Jeffers Nicholls Primary, is among those seven, alongside Farrell, Nicholas Hero, Ryan Marchan, Aedan Williams, Damorae Prentice, and Kimani France.

This year’s programme will engage boys and girls ages eight to 12 from 30 primary schools, 21 in St Kitts and nine in Nevis, in formal coaching and fast-paced zonal matches. Action begins later this month and runs through September.

Former CWI President Ricky Skerritt, under whose tenure the programme was launched, noted its inclusive vision. “Female participants can now progress from the base of the developmental pyramid through established pathways into high-performance camps and ultimately represent the West Indies at the international level.”

Director of Sport Jeffrey Hazel offered gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Sport. “Republic Bank, your investment goes far beyond financial support. You are investing in dreams, discipline, and the development of our young people.”

Republic Bank Country Manager Pamela Herbert-Daniel responded. “Five for Fun will be key in allowing our children the opportunity to build fundamental life skills, with the possibility of continuing their cricket craft as a career.”

St Kitts and Nevis is the second territory to launch this year’s edition, following Guyana. Barbados joins the roster for the first time in the coming weeks, with St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago also set to follow.