GREATER GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Edwin Carrington received a cheque for TT$500,000 from president of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Dinanath Ramnarine for the CARICOM Haiti Relief Fund.

The cheque represents the proceeds from a special Twenty/20 charity cricket match staged by WIPA in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and the Guyana Cricket Board in late January to raise funds for Haiti.

The match, which was keenly supported by many fans, including the Secretary-General, took place at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

The sponsors were First Citizens, Caribbean Airlines, BP Trinidad and Tobago, Toyota Trinidad and Tobago, bmobile, Queen’s Park Oval and Trinidad Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Carrington, in lauding the efforts of the organisers, players, sponsors and fans, said this effort once again demonstrated the power of sport and cricket in particular to bring Caribbean people together for common cause.

“The response by all concerned also showed the solidarity of the Caribbean Community and its generosity to one of its family, Haiti, in its time of need,” he added.

The sum raised from the match was donated to the CARICOM Haiti Relief Fund and according to Robert Riley, chairman of the organising committee: “The amount raised reflects how we can unite as one Caribbean and assist each other, whenever the need might arise to do so. It is heartening to know this and I applaud the admirable efforts of every person who contributed to the success of the match.”

Ramnarine expressed his pride in being involved in the effort and hailed it as an accomplishment in all regards.

“The Twenty/20 match raised more funds than we expected. I thank each player who made it a priority to participate in the match at short notice and with such enthusiasm.

“Additionally, I thank all the sponsors who came on board to support such a great cause. The combined special efforts by players, sponsors and fans made the match happen.”