Chief Operations Officer of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Mr. Pete Russell, on Friday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, at his Main Street office.
The brief engagement included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Tucker.
During the visit, Minister Norton discussed several plans to improve the experience for patrons and the capacity of the Guyana National Stadium. Mr. Russell expressed that game attendance could double if the stadium’s seating capacity is increased.
Mr. Russell also sought to have issues surrounding accommodation when tournaments are hosted in Guyana addressed. He is of the view that more needs to be done in the sector; not only to provide adequate accommodation for visitors, but also competitive rates.
On attendance and support for the tournament in Guyana, Mr. Russell said he is overwhelmed with the support and noted, despite the current political climate, Guyanese have embraced each other and coexist in a cohesive environment during matches, he posited that there is no divisiveness based on politics or race which he considers impressive.
The two also spoke of plans to expand cricket beyond the coast to persons living in the hinterland. Minister Norton, posited that the expansion of cricket to the outlying regions could see persons becoming regional ambassadors for the sport.
Mr. Russell discussed plans for the expansion of CPL Tournaments in becoming what he considers “a little more gender-friendly”. He explained that there is a long-term plan have a women’s tournament in the interest of diversity.
Minister Norton in a previous statement committed that the Government of Guyana stands ready to lend support to this level of inclusivity as CPL has the capacity to take female cricket to new heights. (Ministry of Social Cohesion)
