(PRESS RELEASE) – The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has noted the reports in the media today (20th November 2020) with captions “CWI says approval for ‘Big Man Cricket’ must come from territorial boards” in the Guyana Chronicle and “CWI tells Big Man Cricket organisers to get GCB approval” in the Kaieteur News.

The ministry has seen and read the email communication emanating from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Johnny Grave cited in the news reports and respectfully directs attention to the statement contained therein by the CEO, “In short, in order to officially host your Big Man Cricket Tournament in Guyana, it is advisable that you solicit the Guyana Cricket Board’s approval or no-objection by them.”

The ministry agrees with the statement from the CEO in this regard but notes that this was not accurately reflected in the reported caption and the content of the media report referenced above. The Ministry respectfully directs attention to the word “advisable” used by the CEO and underscores an important distinction with the use of the word “required” as stated and/or suggested in the news reports. “Advisable” does not mean “required”.

For the sake of definitive clarity, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for the Government of Guyana reverts to its previous statement on the issue contained in the approval/imprimatur conferred on the ‘Big Man Cricket’ tournament i.e. “… the approval or imprimatur for any sport tournament by respective sport Associations/Federations, while inherently beneficial, is not strictly required unless it is a vehicle for advancement within the structure of a world/international sport body.”