The format was changed this season for what has previously been known as the Arawak Cement Cup in order to facilitate the development of the Barbados national team before the start of the 2009 first class season. The Arawak Cement Barbados Preparation Series involves 40 players and took the form of three-day matches until the end of 2008. The second part of the Series was played in 2009 over a 20/20 format prior to the annual Stanford 20/20 Tournament.

This competition has been sponsored by Arawak Cement for the past six (6) years and it plays a pivotal role in providing younger players with the opportunity to compete and enhance their skills.

At the Series’ launch on December 09 2008 at the Kensington Oval, Aneil Mahadeo, Marketing Manager (Ag.) Arawak Cement indicated that Arawak’s involvement was part of its commitment to nation building. “Whether this building comes in the form of physical infrastructure by using one of the best cements in the region, whether it comes in promoting our citizens, our unique culture or the positive image of Barbados to the rest of the world, we perform this to the best of our abilities at Arawak.”

He also pledged the company’s continued support to Barbados cricket. “Through the Arawak Cement Barbados Preparation Series we are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen contributing in this instance to the rebuilding of our cricket here in Barbados. It is our commitment to assist the BCA to develop our players from competitions such as this.”

The outstanding cricketers were presented with incentives for their performances on January 07 2009 at the Series’ Closing Ceremony at the 3W’s Stand of the Kensington Oval. CEO of the Barbados Cricket Association, Dr. Roland Toppin, congratulated the cricketers who shone during the series, which was scheduled differently this year. “It featured three trial matches that went very well.  We had some very good performances and we are confident that the team selected from the trials will represent Barbados well,” said Dr. Toppin, who also thanked Arawak Cement for its continued support.

Rupert Greene, Arawak Cement’s General Manager (Ag.) was also present at the presentation ceremony and distributed the cash incentives to the outstanding cricketers urging them to continue to exhibit the same level of concentration, determination and commitment when they represent the country in the upcoming regional tournament.

(L-R) Dr. Roland Toppin, CEO of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Aneil Mahadeo, Marketing Manager of Arawak Cement, Joel Garner, President of the BCA, Rupert Greene, acting General Manager of Arawak Cement.