By CMC.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – West Indies Twenty20 star Kieron Pollard said it was vital the region’s cricketers came together to support Dominica, following the devastation caused last month by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
Pollard was one of several players who turned out for the Dominica Relief Celebrity charity game on Saturday night here, where a WICB President’s XI beat a UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI by seven wickets at Kensington Oval.
“It was all for a good cause, it was stepping on to the cricket field again for a good cause. The devastation that took place in Dominica, all of us in the Caribbean felt it as well because it could have been anyone of us or anyone of our countries,” said the right-hander who blasted a 22-ball 49 for the President’s XI.
“It was very emotional but at the end of the day we came out and our talent is playing cricket, bringing the fans out and doing something for them so at least we can say we gave back something to them and the families.
"Obviously we can’t take back the loss of lives but the little that we can do, we came out and did it.”
Over 30 people lost their lives during the storm which also resulted in over US$200 million in infrastructural damage. Entire villages were destroyed leaving countless citizens homeless.
Former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson praised the efforts to use the match as a means of generating financial support for the rebuilding programme.
“Our hearts reach out to the people in Dominica, they’ve been through a lot and you really have to say well done to all the people in the Caribbean who have really contributed to helping their cause,” said Sir Richie, the current Windies team manager.
“We just hope that a lot of money has been raised and it can go to good use to help them restore their country.”
Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake was among the celebrities turning out for the game, which also featured the likes of legends Brian Lara and Sir Curtly Ambrose.
Blake, a silver medallist in both the 100 and 200 metres at the London Olympics three years ago said he had been glad to support the initiative.
“I’m a man of giving so when they asked me to come on board and play I said of course. To raise anything for Dominica would be my pleasure.”
All proceeds from the game will go towards the Dominica Relief fund.
By CMC.