-as stadium nears completion

THE Pomeroon-Supenaam region is inching closer to hosting prominent cricket tournaments in 2024 and 2025 as government is currently engaged in negotiations with the West Indies Cricket Board and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

This was disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during the launch of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual Agro and Trade Expo at the Anna Regina Secondary School ground on Friday.

President Ali highlighted that the region is in the final stages of constructing a state-of-the-art stadium at Anna Regina.

The prospect of this stadium has generated considerable interest among cricket enthusiasts, sports fans, and the local community and will position the region to become the ideal place to host international cricket matches.

“Let me tell you some exciting news. Now that we are going to have this stadium in Essequibo, I’m in the final stage of discussions and negotiations with the West Indies cricket board for Guyana to host the Super-50 one-day tournament here in Guyana next year, and we want at least 40 per cent of those matches to be played here, so that you will have world-class cricket here in Essequibo,” the Head of State said.

President Ali further shared his vision of Essequibo hosting the CPL women’s T20 tournament in 2025, which would represent a significant milestone in the region’s sporting journey. Negotiations are currently ongoing with CPL.

The stadium is set to not only serve as a venue for thrilling cricket games but also as a hub for various sports, cultural, and social events. It will help propel pushing the economic and infrastructural development of the region.

During the first phase of the constitution, the ground was raised 18 inches and will accommodate a grass mound. The second phase saw the execution of fencing and lighting work. The third phase will see the seats being installed.

President Ali said that the stadium was not built in isolation of the master plan and is expected to boost tourism in Region Two.

“Essequibo tourism is on the rise, and we are encouraging investments in new hotels,” he said.

Earlier this year, the sod was officially turned for the US$3.5 million Lakeside Hotel which will be erected at Anna Regina.

The hotel will have 45 luxurious rooms with all the necessary amenities to match international standards. The hotel will have five floors which will include a lobby area, office, and conference/banquet hall.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had worked on a master plan for the Essequibo River which focuses on capacity and infrastructural development to further support that area as a massive tourism hub.

The strategic plan is to develop both the Essequibo Coast and the Lower Essequibo and involves the development of new tourism products and the expansion and improvement of existing ones.

Over the years, the ministry has been working to develop an Essequibo tourism circuit which includes parts of Regions Two, Three and Seven, and focuses on upgrades to several of the tourist sites that are located there.