JAMAICA NATIONAL Building Society (JNBS) yesterday announced its continued sponsorship of the Primary and All Age schools cricket competitions and, according to general manager Earl Jarrett, it is pleased to be able once again to assist in the development of Jamaica's young cricketers.
Speaking at yesterday's press conference at Sabina Park, Jarrett said that the competitions encompass so much, are so well organised, and that cricket means so much that Jamaica National has to be involved.
"This is a national competition," said Jarrett, "and from it comes a national team. It is therefore a natural fit for Jamaica National. On top of that it is organised by a capable person, Brian Breese, and a capable institution, the Jamaica Cricket Association."
In congratulating the JCA on the performance of the national team winning the Busta Cup and getting into the final of the Busta International Shield, Jarrett said that Jamaica National also continues to be involved with the Primary and All Age competitions because of two other reasons.
According to Jarrett, Jamaica National strongly believes that the competitions play a vital role in the success of the national team and as every one knows, cricket builds character.
"Good discipline and sportsmanship are important," said Jarrett, "good discipline is what our country needs, and there is no better place to start than at this level - this age group."
As was the case last year, Jamaica National are sponsoring the competitions to the tune of three million dollars, and once again it will be doing in association with the Sports Development Foundation which was represented by general manager Allan Beckford and Chris Ziadie.
The competition, which is already in its elimination stage, involves approximately 5,000 boys and girls between age 10 and age 16 from over 300 schools and the sponsorship includes cash incentives for coaches, equipment for schools, transportation to matches, refreshments, and incentives based on performance.
The competitions move from parish eliminations to parish competitions, to parish finals, to zone quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals to the national finals scheduled for Melbourne Oval on Wednesday, July 3.
Other speakers included Emile Spence - marketing and distribution executive at Jamaica National, Ziadie, George Sterling - first vice-president, JCA, and Breese - chief executive officer, JCA.
