Scaffolding ‘Has Been Professionally Assessed’

“The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport will be providing funding to an engineering company to ensure that the scaffolding at the event has been professionally assessed,” Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Senator Owen Darrell said.

Speaking the Senate the Minister said, “Beyond the friendly rivalry on the field, Cup Match serves as a reminder of the importance of community spirit and supporting one another. It is an opportunity to display the true essence of Bermudian hospitality, where laughter and togetherness abound. Let us use this occasion to strengthen our community bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding amongst us all.

“I would like to express my gratitude to this year’s host, St. George’s Cricket Club, especially President Neil Paynter and his committee, organizers, sponsors, and countless volunteers who are working tirelessly to make this year’s Cup Match possible. I was pleased to be able to present a cheque to St. George’s Cricket Club yesterday in support of their role as the hosts of this year’s Cup Match Classic.

“We all look forward to the fun and revelry of Cup Match, but the Government also wants to ensure that we celebrate safely; and Madam President to that end, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport will be providing funding to an engineering company to ensure that the scaffolding at the event has been professionally assessed.”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Madam President, next week Thursday and Friday, August 3rd and 4th we come together to celebrate a cherished and time-honoured tradition, a true reflection of the spirit of Bermuda – Cup Match! This iconic event unites us as a community, transcending boundaries of age, race, and background, to revel in our shared love for cricket, camaraderie, and the vibrant culture that makes our island nation so unique.

Madam President, this is the time of year that everyone is dressed to the nines in their team’s colours, and many workplaces are draped in light blue, dark blue and red. This is definitely the time of year where if you get caught wearing the wrong colours, you will be sure to be called out. Within my Ministry, the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation is currently awash in the official colours of Cup Match especially since we have two Cup Match legends as members of our staff, Charlie Marshall and Jekon Edness. Charlie, at the age of 19 years old, became the first colt to score a century in a Cup Match back in 1980. He would then go on to become the first person to score 1,000 runs. Jekon –wicketkeeper and captain in 2012 – led Somerset to their first victory at Wellington Oval in 34 years. Unfortunately, Somerset has held the Cup since then, but this year will be different!

Madam President, beyond the friendly rivalry on the field, Cup Match serves as a reminder of the importance of community spirit and supporting one another. It is an opportunity to display the true essence of Bermudian hospitality, where laughter and togetherness abound. Let us use this occasion to strengthen our community bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding amongst us all.

Madam President, I would like to express my gratitude to this year’s host, St. George’s Cricket Club, especially President Neil Paynter and his committee, organizers, sponsors, and countless volunteers who are working tirelessly to make this year’s Cup Match possible. I was pleased to be able to present a cheque to St. George’s Cricket Club yesterday in support of their role as the hosts of this year’s Cup Match Classic. We all look forward to the fun and revelry of Cup Match, but the Government also wants to ensure that we celebrate safely; and Madam President to that end, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport will be providing funding to an engineering company to ensure that the scaffolding at the event has been professionally assessed.

Madam President, in addition to acknowledging the hard work of Mr. Paynter and St. George’s Cricket Club, I would also like to thank the Somerset Cricket Club President Richard Scott and his team. Both of your clubs’ dedication and commitment ensure this celebration remains a cherished highlight on our calendar. I am looking forward to the Cup Match trials in St. George’s this Saturday, and stopping in on my fellow Bermudians setting up their camps. Next Thursday will be my first time as Minister greeting players and officials just before the coveted first ball.

Madam President, as we embark on this festive journey, let us embrace the spirit of Cup Match wholeheartedly. I would like to encourage the public to attend the last Cup Match trials at each club this Saturday, and stay for the exciting selection process that evening. Also Colt Cup Match is this Sunday at 11:00 am at St. George’s Cricket Club where you can witness the up-and-coming players take on each other. I am honoured to be a part of this year’s game and know that this festive event symbolizes the bonds that tie us together – connected through heritage, pride, and unity. It is a time when families, friends, and even strangers come together to create lasting memories, forging connections that withstand the test of time.

Happy Cup Match to all! Thank you, Madam President.

For extensive coverage of Cup Match spanning over a decade, visit our website BernewsCupMatch.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Cup Match holiday.

• Over 6,000 photos here
• Over 150 videos here
• Over 80 graphics here
• History here
• Dedicated website: BernewsCupMatch.com

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Category: All, Sports