Sport Minister engages CWI on local cricket; regional and international games confirmed for Guyana

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, through subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr., on Friday met Virtually with officials of Cricket West Indies, to inform the regional governing body of the Ministry’s position on matters relating to local cricket.

Minister Ramson Jr. also shared the administration’s plans for future investments in the game, and was able to confirm the country’s hosting of regional and international cricket in 2021.

Below is a full statement issued by the Ministry.

“On the request by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for an urgent meeting with Cricket West Indies (CWI), a meeting was held today (15^th January, 2021), via Zoom, where 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. CWI’s delegation was led by President Ricky Skerritt.

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.

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.”