The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) and the Government of Saint Lucia are taking further steps to develop the island’s young cricketers, with a new cohort of 10 players joining the Saint Lucia High Performance Centre (HPC) this week.
The announcement of the new class was made at a black tie cocktail and dinner this weekend, which also served to recognise the outgoing group, which inaugurated the HPC programme in 2023.
The HPC, the brainchild of Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, aims to bridge the gap between youth and senior cricket. The initiative is also intended to replicate a professional environment, with greater attention to technique, fitness, and nutrition.
In the first year of the HPC, Qiana Joseph returned to the West Indies women’s team, joining Zaida James in the squad. Selena Ross also made the West Indies Under-19 team, and is presently in training with the regional side.
The first intake also included West Indies Under-19 players Ackeem Auguste and McKenny Clarke, both of whom are now with the West Indies Academy.
Currently contracted by the Windward Islands Volcanoes are former Junior Cricketer of the Year, Johnnel Eugene; Millet wicketkeeper-batsman, Noelle Leo; and 20-year-old Micoud all-rounder, Keo Gaston.
All-rounder Tarrique Edward has also played with the West Indies U19’s and will be hopeful of kicking on in regional cricket. Youngsters such as Tyrel Chicot, Kevin Gassie, Royce Paul, Vernilius Gabriel, Stephen Naitram, Jaden Elibox, and Lee John were all part of the first year of the undertaking.
Working under the guidance of head coach John Eugene and his technical staff over the next year, the second cohort will include some of the brightest young stars in the local game, including one current West Indies player.
All-rounder Nerissa Crafton was recently handed a one-year contract by Cricket West Indies. A left-handed batter and medium-pace bowler, the 26-year-old ‘Breezy’ was part of the squad that made the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals last month.
Reportedly, Theo Edward will be the next Saint Lucian to join the West Indies team, as he is set to join up with the Under-19 squad in the coming months. Meanwhile, the record holder for run-scoring in the Windward Islands Under-15 competition will keep working at the HPC.
Sky LaFeuille, Stephen Abraham, Shawnil Edward, Kensley Paul, Isiah Jones, Bolton Sayers, Aaron Joseph, and Dornan Edward represent the next generation of Saint Lucian cricket. All have worn national colours at various levels, and with the support of the HPC setup, they will be looking to take their talents to the next level.
