– Sixteen teams to compete

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four has joined forces with a number of persons within the private sector to launch an Inter-Secondary School cricket competition.

The competition, dubbed the RDC/Lloyd W.P. Britton REO competition, is expected to bowl off on May 14 with the grand final fixed for May 24.

The partnership, which was originally forged between the RDC through its REO Pauline Lucas and businessman Lloyd W.P. Britton, seeks at providing an avenue for the youths within the region.

Britton said that the competition was a long-time dream for him. “I must say that I was very excited by the REO’s readiness and willingness to have the competition played among the secondary schools within the region. This is certainly a testimony of an REO who is genuinely interested in holistic development of her region,” Britton said.

He said that while he cannot sponsor the entire competition he is very pleased to have learnt that a number of other businessmen have pledged to assist.

“The idea is to create a number of opportunities so that our young people can be meaningfully engaged, thus channelling their energies through a medium that can help them. So cricket, athletics, football, table tennis and a number of other sports career for both male and female would be executed over time,” the businessman said.

Lucas was in high praise for Mr Britton’s support and the partnership noting that it has played a pivotal role in making the 40-over-a-side cricket competition a reality.

She pointed out that the department of Education has already given the green light for the staging of the competition.

She stated that the safety and well-being of all players is critically important. The REO has also sought the assistance and support of the health department in playing an important role in the execution of the competition.

The competition which will be run on a knock-out basis will see 16 teams start. It was disclosed that the Guyana Cricket Board has given its support to the staging of the competition.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones has committed towards providing some of the gear.

The official launching is expected shortly.