Demerara Cricket Club’s Young All-Rounder Makhaya Jones Receives Cricket Gear
Thirteen-year-old Makhaya Jones, an all-rounder from Demerara Cricket Club, is the latest recipient of the Cricket Gear Initiative. This initiative, co-founded by Kishan Das of the USA and veteran cricket administrator Anil Beharry of Guyana, aims to support young cricketers by providing essential equipment. Makhaya, a right-handed pace bowler and batsman, has received a brand-new pair of cricket shoes.
Currently a student at Campbellville Secondary School, Makhaya participated in the Demerara Cricket Board’s inter-association under-15 tournament, which serves as a selection process for the county team heading to the inter-county championship. At a recent presentation ceremony, Makhaya, the son of softball stalwart Wayne Jones, expressed his gratitude for the shoes and vowed to dedicate himself to improving his cricket skills. He has been encouraged to balance his focus on both cricket and education while maintaining discipline.
Commitment to Community Development
The Cricket Gear Initiative is committed to enhancing communities by investing in the development of young cricketers across Guyana. Its overarching goal is to engage youth in sports, particularly cricket, thereby steering them away from negative influences.
To date, the initiative has amassed a significant amount of cricket-related gear valued at $560,000, which includes thirteen colored cricket uniforms, sets of stumps, trophies, and various protective equipment. Notably, it has distributed thirty-three pairs of cricket shoes, forty-six bats, and numerous other items. Additionally, Sheik Mohamed, a former national wicketkeeper and batsman, has donated gear valued at over $600,000.
Widespread Impact on Young Cricketers
So far, ninety-four players, both male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from the initiative. The donations include cash, gear bags, trophies, protective equipment, and cricket bats. Many others have also benefited indirectly through the initiative’s outreach efforts.
Specific clubs and communities have received various gear items, including Pomeroon, Leguan, and Wakenaam Cricket Committees, which received red cricket balls and uniforms. Other beneficiaries include youth teams in the Upper Corentyne area, the Essequibo Cricket Board, and local schools.
The distribution of both new and used cricket gear is done free of charge to promising young cricketers in Guyana. The initiative emphasizes the importance of skills, discipline, and education, with talent identification being a collaborative effort between club leaders and initiative organizers. Clubs that effectively manage youth programs are also prioritized for support.
The Cricket Gear Initiative continues to strive for a brighter future for young cricketers, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in the sport.
