By Daniel Haynes

GUYANESE players on both the West Indies Women’s and Under-19 World Cup teams were yesterday honoured during a splendid ceremony hosted by the National Sport Commission (NSC) at the 704 Sports Bar.The two women cricketers, Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle, who were part of the West Indies triumphant Women’s ICC World T20 champions team last Sunday, along with the Under-19 players Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, who landed the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier in the year, were hosted by members of the NSC, along with invitees from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and several ministers of government.
Representing the NSC was Director Christopher Jones, along with commissioners Lavern Fraser and James Bondn and Chairman Ivan Persaud, who later delivered remarks congratulating the performances of the players.
According to Persaud, the ladies team settled an age-old family issue of his, adding, “Thanks to you I was able to find common ground with an uncle of mine whom I had not spoken to in a long time. Thank you.”
Yesterday’s ceremony came as the NSC received scathing criticisms from sporting fans for the lacklustre way in which the women cricketers were welcomed home earlier this week but the body conceded that while they blundered, the ceremony would feature surprises.
Also on hand to greet the ladies was the Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes who said, “You guys are all ambassadors for Guyana and have put Guyana on the map for the right reasons.” She also talked about awarding to all the players trips to Kaieteur Falls.
“Kaieteur Falls is a symbol of Guyana and you are all symbols,” continued the minister, under whose portfolio tourism falls.
Her counterpart within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry said, “I have never been in the company of five champions and it feels good. What you have done has made Guyana especially proud. You are all inspirations.”
Digicel Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, committed Digicel’s support to cricket and cricketers in Guyana saying, “Thank you for being ambassadors of the Digicel brand on the world stage.”
Sport Director Jones thanked the players for making Guyana proud. The female players were each given a phone from Digicel and a cricket band from King’s Jewellery World. The players were also given the tickets for their trips to Kaieteur Falls.
They received plaques from the NSC as well as cricket bat pendants for the males from Sanjay’s Jewellery. 704 Sports Bar also presented the players with a package, while Minister Henry delivered tokens of appreciation.
The players were also treated to lunch at 704 after which they travelled to Giftland Mall for photo ops and autograph signings.
Meanwhile, during an interview with Chronicle Sport, Jones touched on plans to keep the Guyanese populace up to date with local athletes.
Yesterday’s ceremony was a promise made by the Director of Sport who, on Thursday, admitted that he had made a blunder in not meeting the Women cricketers at the airport, but promised that something special was in store for all the cricketers.
Following the ceremony at 704, the players were taken through the streets of Georgetown as well as the Giftland Mall, where they interacted with fans, autographed memorabilia and took pictures.