Discussions ongoing on fully vaccinated fans for WI-Pakistan T20s in Guyana

By Akeem Greene

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has indicated that the ministry is engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport on the possibility of allowing spectators into the National Stadium, Providence, for the three T20 Internationals between West Indies and Pakistan later this month.

Dr. Anthony, responding to a question from News Room Sport on whether provisions would be made for a limited number of fully vaccinated patrons to enter the venue, responded: “These are discussions which we have started with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and we have not concluded those discussions as yet, so as soon as we finish those discussions, Minister [Charles] Ramson Jr. will be able to update the public pertaining to what the outcomes are.”

West Indies face Pakistan at Providence on July 31, August 1 and 3, all from 11:00h, and local fans have been wondering whether they would be allowed entry.

Since the West Indies second Test against South Africa last month in St. Lucia, fully vaccinated fans have been allowed entry into the venues across the Caribbean.

A stipulated number of fully vaccinated fans were allowed entry for the five T20Is between West Indies and South Africa in Grenada, and a similar arrangement is in place for the ongoing five-match series involving West Indies and Australia in St. Lucia.

As of July 13, 2021, the Ministry of Health indicated that 120,914 persons have been fully vaccinated in Guyana and 239, 877 have been administered their first dose.

In May, Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, said the government would consider the possibility of allowing only vaccinated persons to attend sport events.

“It is a reasonable expectation that could be permitted. The government would have to consider it and discuss it, and make a decision on it,” Dr. Ramsammy expressed.

He further added: “It is not something that is far-fetched, it is a reasonable thing that can be done. Other countries are doing it and Guyana will not ignore that possibility.”

Built in 2006 for the 2007 50-over World Cup, the National Stadium has a capacity of approximately 15,000.