The fourth cohort of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (SLCHPC) will begin training on Monday, after the five new additions to the development programme were introduced on Friday, during an induction cocktail at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa and Beach Resort. Laurie Ann Smith, Cleurie Elibox, Nathaniel Joseph, Dominic Auguste, and Liam Wilson were unveiled as the newest entrants to the SLCHPC.
The stage is set for the next group of young players to continue their growth through targeted interventions, as they work towards earning picks on various national and regional teams. Â
The evening also marked the graduation of the 2025-26 Cohort 3, with 20 cricketers receiving certificates of completion.
Windward Islands Volcanoes senior selectee Theo Edward claimed top honours on the night, taking both the Coaches’ Award and the Most Outstanding Cricketer gong. Kevin Gassie was named Most Dedicated Cricketer, Nerissa Crafton collected Most Improved Cricketer, and Royce Paul earned Most Disciplined Cricketer.
Alongside Edward, Gassie, Crafton, and Paul, the graduating third cohort comprised Kanicsher Auguste, Joshua Cepal, Kethan Charlemagne, Ephron Charles, Shawnil Edward, Tarrique Edward, Khan Elcock, Jaden Elibox, Cody Fontinelle, Lee John, Isaiah Jones, Aaron Joseph, Cody Lesmond, Kensley Paul, Selena Ross, and Bolton Sayers.
The incoming cohort will train at Mindoo Phillip Park over the next 12 months under head coach John Eugene, assistant coaches Dalton Polius, Larry Edward, and Stephen Naitram, strength and conditioning coach Damique Walters, masseuse Mechaela Hyacinth, and videographer David Oliver.
Chairman of the SLCHPC, former First Class cricketer Craig Emmanuel, says that the next year will be guided by a more strategic vision for the development of the nation’s young cricketers, with a greater emphasis on personal development off the pitch, and a longitudinal approach to building cricket skills.
Addressing the Friday night ceremony was National Lotteries Authority director Louise Victor, who formally presented the 2026 intake. Physical Education Curriculum Specialist, coach and administrator Donald Dave Albert gave the feature address.Â
Dr Cadelia Ambrose, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports & Digital Transformation, also spoke. SLCHPC general manager Vernon Francois delivered the vote of thanks.
(TF)
