Nicholas Richards and Shanya Gottshalk, Gleaner Writers
( L - R ) BRADY and HENDRICKS
FIRSTCARIBBEAN International Bank (FCIB) has partnered with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Visa International to launch the WICB Visa credit card.
This was announced at the card's official launch at Cuddy'z Restaurant and Bar, New Kingston on Friday.
The credit card, designed exclusively for West Indies cricket fans, will provide financial support to the WICB to assist in the development and implementation of cricket programmes across the region.
"Every time a purchase is made using the card, proceeds will go to the WICB to help to support cricket throughout the Caribbean," said FirstCaribbean's managing director, Milton Brady.
The Gleaner was unable to determine the exact percentage that would be involved.
Additionally, every time a new credit card account is opened, FirstCaribbean will donate funds to the WICB for the enhancement of West Indies cricket.
Keynote speaker at the launch director of the WICB, John 'Jackie' Hendricks, welcomed the initiative in light of the "difficult financial times that the WICB is experiencing."
Added Hendricks: "More than ever we must find new ways of financing our cricket, and this is why it is so important that innovative methods such as the introduction of this card by FCIB and the WICB is so important."
Mr. Hendricks said it was the first credit card in the Caribbean to be directed at assisting a sports entity.
The announcement follows the launch of a similar initiative between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and FCIB several weeks ago.
The WICB Visa credit card is also being launched in Barbados, Antigua, and Grenada during the month of July and will be made available in all other markets by the end of 2006.
The card will allow customers to earn rewards which can be redeemed for WICB merchandise.
"Former West Indies cricketer, Courtney Walsh has endorsed the card, and his image will be used in its promotion throughout the Caribbean," concluded Brady.
