It rained cats and dogs on Saturday 3rd November and general outdoor activities planned for that day, appeared to be doomed to fail.
However, as former West Indies middle order batsman, Keith Arthurton, prepared to launch his Cricket Academy in Nevis, at the ET Willet Park, he noted that he saw the rain as a blessing and not as a deterrent.
Such faith proved to be remarkably prophetic, as there was quite a turnout of young cricketers and their parents at the historic launch.
The brief but impressive ceremony, was chaired by Sports officer, Mr. Kelvin Bramble, who warmly welcomed all present, as he noted that the Academy will be geared towards children, ages 6 to 15, mainly.
This was followed by the invocation, delivered by Pastor Ron Daniel.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kevin Barrett, then gave brief remarks.
He indicated that his association with Keith Arthurton, went as far back as the Charlestown junior School, when Arthurton coached that school’s team to victory at the primary school level. He lauded him as one of the finest cricketers to come out of Nevis and the Leeward islands.
Also making an address, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Sports et al, Mr. Keith Glasgow, who stated that Arthurton previously took children from Nevis over to his Academy in St. Kitts, so that they could utilize the facilities there.
Now he was just taking things to another level, by actually setting up a Cricket Academy in Nevis.
He pointed out that Cricket allows for the development of values; leadership skills and lifelong skills that can be applied throughout one’s lifetime.
He commended Arthurton for the initiative and asked the youngsters present to make the most of the opportunities provided.
Keith Arthurton was as precise and as smooth as he was on the field of play, as he delivered the feature address.
He thanked God for helping him through life thus far and for allowing him to be able to share his expertise with the children.
‘It is not what you TAKE but what you GIVE that really matters,’ he opined.
He stated that he was all about giving back and noted that he had done if for St. Kitts over the years and now he wants to do a similar thing for the land of his birth. An island that he holds dear to his heart.
Throughout his sterling address he made some memorable quotations:
“A plan is only of value, if it is executed” and anybody can be a captain but not everybody will be a good leader” –just to name a few.
He pointed out that coming out of his academy, the children will not only learn the basics of Cricket but would also learn values and discipline.
He saw Cricket as an avenue for a positive mindset that will stop young people for killing each other.
He noted that he has assisted the young cricketers in St. Kitts and now the St. Kitts team has three- peated at the Leeward Islands level. He wants the same for Nevis.
Arthurton further stated that he was excited about the program and indicated that with the assistance of the Ministry of Sports and sponsorship funds from the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis (a cheque which he collected on Monday), that the nets at the ET Willet Park, will be upgraded at short notice and said that Windies Cricket chief, Mr. Dave Cameron, has promised him a bowling machine but that he was committing to ensuring that there are two such machines in the Park, in the near future.
He alluded to the loads of money to be made from Cricket and urged the parents to give the children the chance to excel- not only at academics, but also at the Sport/s of their choice.
The vote of thanks was eloquently delivered by one of the sons of Pastor Daniel.