By Neil Kumar
ALL roads lead to Guyana. This year, 2022, Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will climax in the glorious land of many waters, beautiful Guyana. As we welcome spectators and tourists from all over the world to our beautiful Guyana, it is indeed the massive Cricket Carnival, real entertainment, fun and sport extravaganza that will be the talk of the town. As we welcome the six teams to play highly competitive cricket, let us also welcome the world to the biggest party in sport.

Guyana, under the astute leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and particularly President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is fully ready for the hosting of this mega event. It is indeed heartening and motivating to see the readiness of the various ministries to host this mega event. Hospitality workers are all well trained and most significant is the fact that Guyanese are the most hospitable people in the world.

It is pleasing to know how the diaspora is connected and thousands of friends and families are returning, after many years, to be at home with their immediate and close associates. Our people are busy sprucing up their homes, buying towels, sheets and other home accessories to make their visitors comfortable and happy. The enhancement of their homes and surroundings is creating a big impact in the communities.

Entering Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is warmest and most pleasant. Our steel band music, our fresh fruits and indigenous cuisine are real entertaining and mouthwatering. The traffic off the plane through the airport is smooth. As our people traverse down the main thoroughfare the East Bank Demerara public road to the city, they are delighted with our traffic preparation. Many visitors are commenting on the massive development they are seeing and feeling. Guyana is also fully preparing to deal with COVID-19 and Monkeypox, as our health system is in a better shape, thanks to our dedicated health workers and the government.

Cricket, glorious cricket: The Providence National Stadium is looking spectacular and ready for the big matches. Guyanese will turn up in their usual massive movement to the Providence venue and most encouraging is the fact that there is immense interest in the games, as evidenced by the sale of rapid sale of tickets. Unfortunately, owing to this, thousands of spectators will not gain entry into the ground; however, the improvising initiative to bring the cricket to our people with big screens will suffice.

As for the real cricket, our people’s expectations are sky-high and they are looking forward to seeing the Guyana Amazon Warriors returning to winning ways. Let us welcome the Barbados Royals, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Kings and the Trinbago Knight Riders. Guyana’s skipper, Shimron Hetmyer, is consistent so far, but he must lead his team to victory. Can he do it? Yes he can!