Cricket is making a comeback! Senator Javan James and Piton Vipers Inc. are making markedly exciting efforts to reintroduce cricket to the youth of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On May 14, Piton Vipers Inc. and Sen. James visited the Reading Rainbow School to engage with young students who have an interest in learning cricket. Students were separated into two teams and were coached by various professional cricket players of St. Croix. The MVP of the game was identified as Nikai Matthew who displayed his exceptional bowling skills.
The senator participated in pre-game stretches, cheered students on as they played, and bestowed certificates of participation to students at the end of the event. He also encouraged the young players to work hard and take an interest in how they can change their community for the better.
Piton Vipers Inc. President Vanessa St. Rose was thrilled to coordinate this event and invited the Twin City Cricket Association to participate in coaching the students as well. She said, “In the words of Robin Grille, ‘A society rests on how it treats its children.’ Piton Vipers Inc. takes pride in introducing cricket to the 4th and 8th grades of the Reading Rainbow School… although it is not a U.S.-based sport, the students were quite fond of the concepts they were taught. The undefeated Piton Vipers has just begun and…we extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Sen. Javan James for assisting today.”
This ongoing event is only one of recent partnerships that Sen. James has with the St. Croix Cricket Association. He is also working on Bill Request No. 21-0435, an Act approving the Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the St. Croix Cricket Association for Plot No. 23 Upper Bethlehem, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Upon transmittal of the lease from the governor to the Legislature, the senator will be able to introduce this legislation.
Regarding the event held, James said, “I had a wonderful time at today’s event. It was refreshing to see children safely playing together with their masks on and learning something new. It was clear that the students enjoyed it, and I look forward to working with the Piton Vipers and Twin City Cricket Association to continue exposing our youth to this great sport.”