Bucknor recommends Noranda Mini League

Former international Test cricket umpire, Steve Bucknor, has recommended Noranda Bauxite's cricket development programme as a model for St Ann and Jamaica cricket training programmes.

Bucknor was speaking at the closing ceremony for Noranda's youth summer camps held on Friday, July 30, at Discovery Bay.

Over 300 youngsters aged nine to 14 years participated in the cricket, netball and character development training mini league programmes sponsored by Noranda and conducted by volunteer community leaders and the bauxite company employees.

Bucknor said that the Jamaica Cricket Association has been focusing on youth development in recent years, with some success and attributed this to the formula for progression from the under-15 teams through to the national and, ultimately, the West Indies team.

All-round sportsmen

He said that the Noranda programme has the additional value of using sportsmanship, role models, discipline and a code of conduct to train the youngsters as all-round sportsmen and sportswomen ready to take their places as leaders in the society.

Bucknor also spoke strongly in favour of elevating Jamaica coach Junior Bennett to the position of West Indies coach, rather than continuing to rely on foreign input to unite local teams.

St Ann Custos Radcliffe Walters said he was impressed with the discipline of the youngsters and their team coaches.

Noranda President Pansy Johnson thanked the youngsters, parents, community residents and the team leaders for helping to ensure that the three-week camp was driven by values rather than competition, and for giving the youngsters an enjoyable and unforgettable summer holiday.

Holiday staple

The Noranda president said the mini league programme has become a staple item on the holiday agenda in the company's operating area, and that Noranda has had "most favourable comments on the behaviour of the participants from those who have shared summers with the children as coaches, team managers, officials and umpires".

The players are divided into 12 cricket and 12 netball teams and given full uniforms and gears to familiarise them with the rules and traditions of the games which are played under international standards.

The presentation day featured team parades, prize giving, a display by the Tivoli Gardens marching band, and a 20-over cricket match between the Jamaica Under-15 and a Mini League all-stars team, with the Jamaica team winning by eight runs.