GUYANA Beverages Inc. and the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) yesterday launched the Busta Cricket Festival 50-overs tournament, scheduled to start tomorrow in Leguan.

Robert Selman, Marketing Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc. hands over cricket gear to the president of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Alvin Johnson (right), as sales representatives look on. (Sonell Nelson)

The Busta group is throwing its support behind the ECB to ensure a competition of the highest standard. From this competition players will be eligible for selection for the Carib Beer competition that starts on September 6.

The Busta Cricket Festival, in its sixth year, will include the various area committees in the Essequibo region except Bartica. Bartica will not be participating in the tournament because of the financial constraints faced by the body.

Busta donated jerseys for the players, officials and members of the media who will be covering the competition. Trophies were also donated by the company for best batsmen, best bowlers and man-of-the-match.

The defending champions of the competition are South Essequibo. The semi-final and final will be held on August 30 and 31 respectively.