By Calvin Roberts
“BEN IS a product of globalisation. His mom is an American and his dad Guyanese and we at the Ministry of Tourism feel proud to have him represent us as a Sports Tourism Ambassador overseas, so we have furnished him with literature and tourism materials.”

Those were the words of Minister of Housing and Water and acting Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali, who met with the 15- year-old Mekdeci and his mom Kelly in his boardroom yesterday morning, where the appointment was made.
This followed an announcement by the younger and soft-spoken Mekdeci, who informed the Minister of his intentions and acceptance to compete in this year’s U.S. Open Squash tournament, which, according to his mom Kelly, will be played at the Yale University in December.
Minister Ali, who in his own right, is an ardent sports fan, believes young Mekdeci has what it takes to compete on the international circuit, following his success on the local and regional circuit and had no hesitation in making him a Sports Tourism Ambassador for Guyana.
“We are proud of Ben here. The fact that he chose to represent Guyana at squash is a plus for Guyana and us here at the Ministry of Tourism, moreso, when he decided to take up the mantle to aid in the promotion and marketing of Guyana and we welcome him on board as our Sports Tourism Ambassador,” said Ali.
In an invited comment, Mekdeci expressed heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Minister Ali and the Government of Guyana, calling his new portfolio an honour.
“To represent your country in any discipline whether sports or academic, is always an honour and I have been privileged to do so at squash on several occasions, thanks to the Guyana Squash Racquet Association (GSA).
Now this new honour that has been bestowed on me by Minister Ali is a wonderful thing and I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to represent my country as a Sports Tourism Ambassador and I know that Guyana has a lot to offer in the field of tourism, so I can hardly wait to get out there and showcase my country,” said Mekdeci.
Quizzed on his chances in the U.S. Open, he said it is just as good as any other player, irrespective of their seedings, since he feels he has the ability to go a long way once he put in the hard work – something he has been doing since September.
“I have been training for this tournament since September, with the aim of achieving success, since I think my chances are very good. I am eager to go out there and represent Guyana and also showcase the country as its Sports Ambassador,” said a smiling Mekdeci.