SANTA CLAUS visited some 15 Barbados cricketers in early December this year and presented them with early Christmas gifts and New Year presents as well.
During the Christmas season, which is a time of giving and receiving, not even the Barbados cricketers were left out. They got their share like anybody else.
They were all presented with central cricket contracts for one year by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA). Those contracts were retroactive to December 1, 2010.
It was a very historic move, which was announced by president Joel Garner at the BCA’s annual Christmas luncheon at the Accra Beach Hotel. He said
that it all stemmed from a West Indies Cricket Board proposal a few years ago to implement territorial contracts to players.
In that announcement the president said: “It is not only about a more professional opportunity, but it is also giving those players the opportunity to play cricket non-stop and do all the things that are necessary to bring the skill level to what we would want for cricketers going forward.”
The decision by the BCA is a very good one, because something had to be done to make players more aware that cricket must be taken seriously as a career and as a profession. It is not just a game these days but it is a business that can generate big money and must be played with that in mind.
This is the way forward, especially since cricket in Barbados and the wider West Indies is at a very low level. The question then that must be asked; How many of our modern-day players are committed to the game and are taking it seriously?
I do not think that many are. I hope this move by the BCA would motivate other players in Barbados and the Caribbean. It can show them that they can earn a living through cricket!
Cricket in the region has declined badly because many of our players no longer play county or professional cricket in England, which in the past played a very important part in helping to develop West?Indies cricket.
Our territorial board must offer professional contracts before it is too late.
It was reported in the Press some time ago that many of our players find it very difficult to get time off from employers to develop their skill. These contracts will allow them to play cricket all year round, as well as earning a living. Cricketers, the ball is in your hands; you will either hold it or drop it. Good luck.
A?happy, healthy and bright 2011 to all my readers.
St Joseph Programme
The St Joseph’s Parish Church will be holding its Christmas programme on Sunday at 4 p.m. Those taking part are the church choir and the Sunday School. The public is invited.
New Year’s Service
Tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the St Aidan Anglican Church at Bathsheba there will be Sung Eucharist and Sermon. All are invited.
Old Year’s Services
Are you looking for somewhere to attend church on Old?Year’s Night??Listed below are some places to go.
St?Lucy Parish Church at 11:15 p.m. Watch Night and?Sung Eucharist.
St George Parish Church at 11:15 p.m. Evensong and Sung Eucharist.
St John Parish Church at 11 p.m. Evensong and Sung Eucharist.
St Joseph’s?Parish Church at 11:30 p.m. Evensong and Sung Eucharist.
St?Matthias at 11:15 p.m. Watch Night and Sung Eucharist.
St Peter’s Parish Church at 11 p.m. Sung Eucharist.
Christ Church Parish Church at 11:30 p.m. Sung Eucharist
St?Mary’s at 11 p.m. Sung Eucharist
St Philip Parish Church at 11 p.m. Watch Night service of Light and Evensong and Holy Eucharist.
All Saints at 11 p.m. Evensong and Sung Eucharist
St Catherine at 11 p.m. Solemn Evensong and?Sung Eucharist.
Anniversary
The Church Army Battalion of the St George Parish Church will be celebrating its anniversary tomorrow (New Year’s Day). The celebrations will take the form of?Holy Eucharist, Sermon and Procession. The service begins at 10 a.m.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Canon James?(Jimmy) Springer celebrated his 50th anniversary in the ministry last Tuesday,?the Feast of St?Thomas. He was ordained deacon on December 21 at St?Michael Cathedral by the then Bishop Lewis Evans.
He served as rector of St Bartholomew,
St?Leonard’s for 22 years. He retired as archdeacon of the diocese Barbados in July 2000.
Recital
The St Mary’s Augmented Choir, organist and director of music present A?Recital of Christmas Music, on Sunday at 6 p.m. Artistes include the Royal Barbados Police Force?Band, Norma Bowen, Tristan Layne and Dexter Norville.
Colour it Christmas
The St Mark’s Church Choir and friends present Colour It Christmas, on Sunday at Queen’s College?school hall at 5 p.m. Proceeds in aid of severely affected victims of Tropical Storm Tomas in the St John and St?Philip communities.
New Year’s at Calvary
The Calvary Moravian Church will hold the annual Watch Night?Service tonight at 10:30 p.m. This service allows us to end the Old Year with thanksgiving to God and begin the New Year committing all our concerns to Him.
Therefore at midnight we are found in silent prayer as we reflect on the theme God Can. This year, as we enter the second decade of the second millennium, we shall join in a one-hour Prayer Vigil at 12:30 a.m. following the Watch Night Service.
On Sunday, Calvary will hold its annual Service of Dedication and Renewal. This will be the focus of both the 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. service. Both services include the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer Meeting
Calling all concerned believers to join Operation Intercession Barbados at an all-night prayer?meeting next Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. at Messiah’s House Wesleyan Holiness Church, Massiah Street, St?John. We will pray for the nation, Government, church, our economy, families, men, women, children, schools, Israel, and so on.
