GOG, GCB U19 tournaments…
Lauds fruitful relationship between local sports associations/government for last 2 ½ years

By Clifton Ross
MINISTER of Culture Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr. during yesterday’s launch of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 schedule of upcoming tournaments, praised the board for its continued efforts while cementing the Government of Guyana’s ongoing cause to ensure the country’s contribution to the sport, locally and internationally, will continue.

An U-19 Boys National Inter-Club, U-19 Boys Inter-County Super-50 , U-19 Boys Inter-County 3-Day tournament were all officially launched yesterday at the Providence National Stadium, where Minister Ramson, and executives from the National Sports Commission (NSC) along with GCB president Bissoondyal Singh and his team, broke ground for the aforementioned upcoming competitions.

The essence was captured during Minister Ramson’s in-depth overview of the current state of cricket along with future plans.

The key areas discussed were primarily grass-roots cricket development which was arguably a big topic. Other areas such as structure and communication, player-commitments and more specifically a unified partnership between the Government of Guyana and the respective federations/associations, were also discussed.

With the focus being on U19 cricket currently, the Minister revealed that he’s aware of what regional youth cricket did for the sport back in his day as a young upcoming cricketer.

The Minister added that cricket has been the country’s most successful sport and one where Guyana can compete at an international level, and be good as or even better than their competitors.

As such, investing in facilities is a key factor going forward with facilities in Anna Regina, Mckenzie, and Albion, among other areas, soon having their respective cricket venues.

The move is an important part of the Government’s plan to not only manage but ensure the sport of cricket and sports generally, is on a rapid, upward trajectory and widespread across Guyana.

Ramson further lauded the various relationships which have been fruitful over the past two and one-half years between the government and the various sports associations/Federations.

The Minister then noted that it was important for the aforementioned (Associations/Federations) to have a good understanding of the Government of Guyana’s involvement in the sports sector.

He added that the newfound relationships between government and governing sports bodies, has resulted in a more transparent, close-knitted bond between the entities.

The Minister said the tournament and the partnership between the GCB, government, media and players have a big role to play in the continued progression of cricket locally and internationally.

Regarding the U19 tournament, the Minister said this commitment between the government and the GCB will be a long-term investment for years to come.

Reflections of such undying loyalty has been showing with the Guyana Harpy Eagles who have been doing well during the ongoing Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Minister Ramson, in acknowledging the national team’s progress, hailed them for their efforts, adding that Guyana continues to be a hotbed and is expected to undergo a bigger boost as the proposed cricket facilities will be usable and accessible in a matter of months.

Meanwhile, GCB president Bissoondyal Singh, along with executives of the board who were present at the launching, thanked President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Minister Ramson Jr. and by extension, the government for their support and continued role in ensuring the sport reaches its full potential.

Singh said “The GCB is extremely grateful to President Ali and Minister Ramson as this investment sets the stage for cricket to be catapulted to a higher level”.