After asking for an ‘emergency’ meeting with Cricket West Indies (CWI), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has revealed that Guyana will be hosting a number of regional and international matches in 2021. The meeting was initially called so that the Ministry could engage CWI on the ‘legitimacy’ issues of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. led the Guyanese delegation over a ‘Zoom’ meeting while CWI President Ricky Skerritt headed his team.
However, the heartening news about the return of international cricket to Guyanese soil was shared to the public through the Ministry’s social media platforms.
“The Ministry is pleased to share with the public that Guyana is confirmed to host several regional and international matches at the Guyana National Stadium in 2021, including when Pakistan tours the West Indies in August”.
In respect to the GCB which it contends is illegitimate, The Ministry “shared its position that the body calling itself the “Guyana Cricket Board” is illegitimate under the laws of Guyana, and that their representation on the CWI ought to be reviewed”.
“The CWI delegation was informed that the Ministry has disengaged from the body since the restoration of the Cricket Administration Act and will not have further engagement with the body until there is full compliance therewith, including deciding to deny the body entry to the Guyana National Stadium, although access has been allowed to participating players and coaches only.
The Minister also shared plans for future investment in cricket development in Guyana and discussed various operational matters with CWI, including the planned schedule for regional and international cricket matches and tournaments”.
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