Republic Bank Celebrates Six Years of Youth Cricket Development Through Five for Fun Programme
(Castries, Saint Lucia – June 17, 2026) – Republic Bank (EC) Limited (RBEC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially launched the 2026 edition of its Five for Fun Youth Cricket Programme, during a ceremony held at the Republic Bank Castries Branch, on Thursday, May 20, 2026.
Students from Bexon Primary, Odsan Primary and St. Aloysius R.C Boys Primary joined government officials, cricket representatives and Republic Bank staff as the programme celebrated its sixth year in St. Lucia.
For the 2026 season, thirty-eight primary schools representing six school zones will compete in the programme, including defending champions Patience Mon Repos Combine Primary. The programme continues to provide young cricketers with an opportunity to learn the game while developing valuable life skills.
Cricket Operations Manager of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, Shaun Alcindor, highlighted the programme’s importance as the foundation of the island’s cricket development pathway.
Insert Clip 1, Shaun Alcindor, Cricket Operations Manager, Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, IN: 01:05 …. “Last year we started…” OUT: 02:01 “… Windwards under 15 level.”
For Republic Bank, supporting youth development through sport remains a key part of its commitment to communities across the region.
Insert Clip 2, Ron Leon, Country Manager, Republic Bank Saint Lucia, IN: 02:09 “Today marks the sixth year…” OUT: 03:07 “… our young people are eager for opportunities.”
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Education, Youth Development, Sport and Digital Transformation, Hon. Kenson Casimir, applauded Republic Bank’s continued investment in youth development and encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Insert Clip 3, Hon. Kenson Casimir, Minister of Education, Youth Development, Sport and Digital Transformation, IN: 03:25 … “A heartfelt congratulations…” OUT: 04:10 “…thank you to you all for that.”
One player who has benefitted from that pathway is Windward Islands Under-19 cricketer Ammie Antoine, who first participated in the programme while attending Bocage Primary School. Today, she serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and opportunity.
Insert Clip 4, Ammie Antoine, Windward Islands Under-19 Player, IN: 04:31 “In grade 5 I joined…” OUT: 05:03 “…different leg spin bowling techniques.”
Director of Sport, Clivus Jules, also praised the programme for helping to develop not only young cricketers, but well-rounded individuals equipped with skills that extend beyond the playing field.
Insert Clip 5, Clivus Jules, Director of Sport, IN: 05:16 “Today is yet another very important milestone…” OUT: 06:14…. “…to promote healthy lifestyles among our children.”
Since its pilot launch in Saint Lucia in 2021, Republic Bank Five for Fun has expanded steadily across the Caribbean, introducing thousands of young people to the game while helping to build the next generation of cricket talent. As the programme enters its sixth season locally, Republic Bank remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through sport.
