Atlantis Cricket Club – N.Y., as part of its community outreach initiative, recently donated a complete set of cricket clothing and playing gear to the Positive Foundation Agricola youth cricket team in Guyana.
The Positive Foundation Agricola (PFA) founded less than one year ago, is a community organization in Agricola on the East Bank of the Demerara River in Guyana. It is committed to developing the community by investing in its youths. Part of the investment by several volunteers associated with the organization, including former Guyana national player Mark Harper is a youth cricket team. In seeking to build partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals, PFA reached out to Atlantis, seeking donations for cricket clothing and playing gear. In collaboration with its principal sponsor Metallica Commodities Corporation, Atlantis responded positively through the club’s Educational Scholarship Fund and donated 26 sets of playing shirts, pants, caps, and Covid-19 masks branded in the PFA youth team’s colors of orange and blue. The donation also included cricket bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and other playing gear shipped to Guyana to outfit the squad.
In a thank you letter to Atlantis, Stayce Cuffy, Chairperson of Positive Foundation- Agricola, said, “Our heartfelt appreciation is expressed to the members of the Atlantis Cricket Club, for the donation of team uniforms and cricket gear towards the development of cricket in the Agricola community. The donation will go a long way in helping our Foundation to realize its goal of community development by investing in our youths.”
The PFA Cricket Club is one of three operational pillars of the Foundation. The other two are education/training and community organic gardening. Cricket is part of a larger sports development initiative undertaken by the NGO in the Village of Agricola. Mark Harper (Head Coach) and Shawn Messiah are two experienced former cricketers currently coaching the cricket team. The PFA has also received the support of the Georgetown Cricket Association and its President Neil Barry, Snr. and installation of a concrete slab for a batting cage is fifty percent complete. It should be ready for use during the rainy season in Guyana.
The PFA does not have a clubhouse among its many other needs; however, it is seeking contributions from organizations, individuals, and volunteers for smaller items such as First Aid Kits, tents, folding tables, and chairs.
Anyone or organization wishing to contribute to the Positive Foundation Agricola is asked to contact Mrs. Stayce Cuffy, Chairperson, via e-mail at pfagri2021@gmail.com or by telephone at 592 699-1427. Donations to the PFA may also be made by contacting secretary.atlantisccny@gmail.com or mailing to Atlantis Cricket Club – N.Y., P.O. Box 1576, Valley Stream, NY 11582 (Please do not send cash in the mail. Only Checks or Money Orders)