No special exemptions for ICC U19 World Cup officials and teams – Dr Ali

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali has revealed that there will be no special exemptions for players, management and officials of the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 World Cup.

Guyana is one of several countries in the Caribbean chosen to host matches in the premier ICC youth tournament, and Dr Ali says his government is taking all the necessary precautions as the tournament nears.
Speaking to the media during a briefing yesterday, Dr Ali contended that “we have the protocols that are there for all visitors, they (the teams, officials and management staff) are not exempted from that.”

“There is an added layer that is headed by Dr Hydar Khan. For this tournament, there is an added layer of security if you want to put it that way, for the pandemic and the management of the pandemic,” the head of state added.

The President has been vocal in pushing persons to get vaccinated also reminding that Guyana’s rate of vaccination across the Caribbean is one of the highest.
Also present during the briefing, was Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who expounded on the President’s sentiments.

“We would be doing a number of testing. Before they arrive here they got to be tested, vaccinated. Upon their arrival to the airport and getting to the hotel, there is a second set of testing that is normally done and this is per the ICC protocol and then during their stay, they are going to have another set of testing and before they leave, there is another set of testing.

In all, for each person that is coming in, they will be tested at least 4 times and these are PCRs that will be used during this period,” Dr Anthony added.

TASK FORCE PRESENCE
Dr Anthony was also quick to assure that all COVID-19 protocols will be observed at the venues during the games here, adding that the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) would be present and in their numbers.
“For persons who would be coming to view the matches, you have to produce your vaccination card to show that you are fully vaccinated. The task force would be at all the venues to ensure that this measure is enforced.”

“For the local people who are acting as support, they have already been tested and they are all negative and there is a protocol in place for how they will be going into the various venues to be able to work and manage the cricket tournament.”

Apart from the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, Everest Cricket Club will host matches in the tournament.

The ICC U19 World Cup begins on January 14 with two matches; the West Indies play Australia at the Guyana National Stadium while Scotland play Sri Lanka at Everest.

The following day, the Indians play against the South Africans at Providence while Ireland face Uganda at Everest.
Games are also being hosted in Trinidad, Antigua and St Kitts.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.