'Invigorating the fraternity' - Ian Spencer elected St Mary Cricket Association president

Sandals Resorts International regional public relations manager for St Ann/St Mary, Ian Spencer, is the new president of the St Mary Cricket association, armed with a mandate to revive the association's flagging fortunes over the next two years.

Spencer was voted in at the association's annual general meeting (AGM) held at the Port Maria Police Station last Thursday.

The new executive body comprises Junior Mattison, first vice-president; Carla Cohen, second vice-president; Tashana Brown, secretary; Fabian Angus, assistant secretary; Paul Williams, treasurer; and Wain Lynch, assistant treasurer.

PRIORITY

Addressing the large number of delegates at the AGM after his election, Spencer said that his priorities were to forward the interest of the clubs in the parish, invigorate the fraternity, and secure sponsorship for a number of competitions.

"My aim is to restore and exceed the glory days of St Mary cricket," he said. "We have not had any competitions for over a year, and we have to get the cricket up and running immediately. "

The new president observed that the key areas of focus would also include development of youth cricket; improvement of the existing cricket grounds and facilities across the parish; fund raising activities by the associations and the clubs; starting a scholarship programme for young cricketers; honouring those who have served the association with distinction; more focus on female cricket; introducing psychology and counselling for the cricketers, reviewing the stipend systems; launch of a St Mary Cricket Association website and social media pages.

"It all starts with you, the clubs," Spencer told the audience. "You have to properly form yourselves into functioning entities, and we are here to assist." He further called for unity after the elections and charged clubs to unite with the goal of moving the parish's cricket forward.

He also had strong words of encouragement for prospective sponsors. "We want you to come forward and assist cricket in the parish, and our guarantee is proper returns on your investment in terms of brand exposure, attendance at matches and proper running of the competitions."