Yesterday at Mariott Hotel, the Guyana Cricket Board launched its Bet Cage Sport National six-team National T20 League which set to commence tomorrow with a double header at the LBI ground on the East Coast of Demerara
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson gave the feature address at the well organised event on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, under whose patronage of the tournament is being run.

Filled with pomp and splendor, the two-hour ceremony featured dances the indigenous Riverside Angels, an Indian and the two-member ‘Berbice Delight’ while fusion Tassa and Congo drubs produced pulsating rhythms.
The culture entertainment also included a riveting rendition of ‘Ready to Jam’ form the muti-talented Soca artiest Omari Hall who doubles as assistant to ‘Cricket Operations Manager of GCB Anthony D’Andrade.

Master of Ceremonies Ronald Williams eloquently introduced DCB and GCB’s President and CWI director Bissoondyal Singh who told the gathering of members male and female National teams, representatives of the sponsors, cricket Administers and the Media that this tournament will be from tomorrow to November 26.
“I am confident that this monumental National T20 will severe as a catalyst for exposing new talent especially since players are selected from throughout Guyana” informed the Head of the GCB.

“This is first-ever official GCB T20 League aligns perfectly with Guyana’s strong foundation in cricket development and will contribute to the popular notion that Guyana is indeed cricket powerhouse. Additionally, and importantly this tournament will focus on expanding our cricket development structure and nurturing young talent toward ensuring the continued success of National cricket” said Singh who disclosed that the sponsorship for this tournament is US $100,000.
“I had the pleasure of engaging in negotiations with the Chairman and CEO of Caribbean CAGE, Robert Washinton who displayed a keen and sincere interest in making a meaningful contribution to this historic tournament which is expected to create opportunities’ for our cricket to be propelled to even greater heights” said Singh who played a bit of cricket as a leg-spinner.
Singh also thanked President Ali for his unwavering support of cricket in general and the GCB in particular.

Dwayne Dodson, who played at first division cricket for UG, said on behalf of Bet Cage sports that his Company was pleased to be a part of the national T20 league powered by Bet Cage Sports and contribute to a cause that reflects the true spirit of unity, sportsmanship and National pride.
Minister Ramson that the Government is fully be his Ministry in supporting cricket which is a demonstration of who we are as people.
“We have many great players from a big country with a small population. The demise of our cricket has hurt us but Guyana’s cricket is one of the strongest in the Caribbean.
Cricket is our number one sport and we have five stadiums and when fully completed three of them can host international cricket.

Albion in Berbice, Anna Regina and the one in Linden will all be fully completed next year. We planning to construct a state-of-the-Art Academy at Good Hope” informed the Sports minister.
Ramson noted the importance of an all-weather facility to practice since he said it rained for three month our players can’t practice while those with developed facilities can continue to practice.
“We you are inactive for so long your skills decline and that is why it important for our government is doing so much work to ensure we build these Stadiums” concluded the Sports Minister. (Sean Devers)