THE Saint Lucia National Cricket Association will celebrate and recognize its cricketers for their individual performances and achievements during 2019 when it stages its annual awards ceremony. The 180-minute event will take place tomorrow evening (Friday 7th February 2020) at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (Players’ Lounge) starting from 7.00 p.m.
The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the junior and senior male and female cricketers for the Year 2019.
Attending will be SLNCA President – Carol Henry and his entire executive, a representative from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, nominees, specially invited guests to include parents and members of the media. Also in attendance will be the Vice President of CWI, Dr. Keshore Shallow.
According to the SLNCA, the three-hour event is to celebrate all of its stars and to congratulate them on their achievements for 2019.
To this end, the Ministry for Youth Development and Sports last week released the names for the nominees for the 2019 – 2020 sports awards to the local media. Leading the charge for the top spot in cricket: Kimani Melius (Junior) current Saint Lucia, Windward Islands and West Indies Under 19 captain; Qiana Joseph (Junior) Windward Islands Under 19 captain and Johnson Charles (Senior) one of the leading scorers in the recently completed CPL Tournament.
One of the contenders for the Junior (male) Cricketer for the Year award was Lee Solomon, the leading scorer in last year’s Sandals / SLNCA under 19 tournament with scores of 126, 157 and 157. Simeon Gerson, the leading wicket taker (15), also had a career best figures of 9 wickets for 9 runs in 6.4 overs versus Babonneau in the Sandals /SLNCA Under 19 Tournament. Ackeem Auguste, vice-captain of Saint Lucia U19 and Windward Islands player, was also a contender in that category.
In the junior female category, nominees were Zaida James, Windwards Women’s Under 19 cricketer and Alleyha Alfred, Windwards Women’s Under 19 cricketer.
In the senior male category, the other contenders were Dillan John, Jamal James, Larry Edward and Junior Henry.
With Melius, Joseph and Charles winning three out of the four top spots available, there will be some nail-biting moments especially amongst the senior women as the winner has not been disclosed. Vying for the prestigious award for Senior (female) Cricketer for the Year are Qiana Joseph, Swayline Williams, Nerissa Crafton.
Also on the evening’s cards will be the presentation of trophies and medals for district competitions, Life Time Awards to individuals who have contributed to the SLNCA and cricket in a number of ways including administration, preparation of grounds and out on the field of play.
SLNCA President Carol Henry is expected to address his association’s vision for administration and development of cricket encompassing the Grass Roots programmes’ enrichment, increased focus on life skills, and other areas.
