Red Force vs Caribbean XI for on Oct 14 for charity

The Red Force will take on a Caribbean Select XI on October 14 seeking to raise in excess of $1 million to aid relief efforts for our Caribbean neighbours who have been left in ruins by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, the initiative was launched by the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and Queen’s Park. The theme for the T20 charity match is called “Rebuilding the Caribbean One Over At a Time”. Tickets are priced at $100 and are available at National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) booths nationwide. Among the countries that will benefit are Dominica, Barbuda and St Martin.

The Red Force will be captained by hard-hitting Kieron Pollard, while St Lucian Darren Sammy will lead the Caribbean Select XI. The match bowls off at 7pm and containers will be placed at the venue for patrons to donate canned items and clothing.

Pollard, speaking yesterday, praised the organisers and indicated players didn’t think twice about offering their services. He said all they wanted to know was the date and time.

Sammy, who always wears a smile on his face, said there isn’t much to smile about after witnessing the devastation left in the wake of the category five hurricanes.

He said he has not been able to contact Dominica and former West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford since Hurricane Maria totally destroyed the country. Communication has been difficult since the hurricane struck with cell towers damaged badly. The affable Sammy said his heart broke seeing Facebook posts by Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit who said he was at the mercy of the strong winds and rain after his roof was blown off by Maria.

Baldath Mahabir, Executive Member of the TTCB, urged the public to come out and support the venture. Dinanath Ramnaraine, Chairman of the Sport Company, was present too to lend support while Deryck Murray, president of Queen’s Park, gave his backing.

An account has also been set-up at First Citizens for corporate bodies and citizens to donate. The “Cricket Hurricane Relief Fund” account number is 2441289. United Way, Red Cross and Living Waters will coordinate the relief efforts while PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will oversee the financial matters in the venture.