Premier David Burt presented Cup Match hosts, St George’s Cricket Club with a $50,000 cheque, as a donation “to assist with preparations for this year’s Classic”.

On hand at the Wellington Oval to accept was St George’s Cricket Club President, Neil Paynter, joined by Sports Minister, Owen Darrell and East End MPs – Minister Tinée Furbert, MP Kim Swan and MP Renée Ming.

During his remarks, Premier Burt said: “In the coming days, we will come together as one community to celebrate our history, commemorate the emancipation of our ancestors from slavery on Emancipation Day, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere that only Cup Match can bring.

“The Annual Cup Match Classic is a testament to the strength of our community, the richness of our culture, and the pride we take in our history and historic figures such as Mary Prince.

“This financial support is just one of the ways through which the government contributes to the success of Cup Match.”

He noted that funds were allocated in the 2023/24 budget “to support Cup Match and to help offset the considerable cost of hosting Bermuda’s premier sporting event.

“We are also proud to work alongside the hosts to conduct safety checks for the cricket field, ensuring that players and spectators can safely enjoy the match.

“I extend my appreciation to the executive, selectors, coaches, players, staff and volunteers of St George’s Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club and the local businesses supporting them,” said Mr Burt.

“We recognise the months of preparation and planning that go into hosting and participating in Cup Match, and we are certainly grateful.

“The Annual Cup Match Classic is a testament to the strength of our community, the richness of our culture, and the pride we take in our history and historic figures such as Mary Prince who through her firsthand accounts of slavery in Bermuda ensured the world understood the truth about slavery and made an immense contribution to the abolition movement.

“We proudly honour one the second day of Cup Match, renamed by this Government as Mary Prince Day. Each year on Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day we stand on the shoulders of the Black Lodges and Friendly Societies who united to organise this very cricket match to commemorate the ending of slavery in Bermuda. It is a legacy that we will connue to honour, protect, and preserve for generations to come, just as the Government will connue to support it for years to come.”

In closing, the Premier said: “I wish St George’s Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club the very best of luck, and look forward to a thriving match. And I wish everyone in Bermuda a safe and enjoyable Cup Match holiday.”