Businessman and sport enthusiast, Dexter ‘Bushman’ Garnett, is backing youth batting sensation Kishan Silas during the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Under-15 Inter-County Super50 tournament, which bowls off today.
Silas was named on the GCB XI and will be in action against Berbice at the Everest Ground, and Garnett, through his Bushman Pawnshop and Money Lending business, will be offering G$1,000 to Silas for every run scored in the Inter-County Championship.
Silas, a student of Charlestown Secondary, enjoyed an exceptional outing at the crease for Georgetown during the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-Association Under-15 tournament.
The nifty right-handed batter had several top-scoring innings, while playing a pivotal role in seeing his side over the line in many matches.
“He’s a promising player, and I like seeing youths excelling at something they love and are good at, especially those that need as much support possible to keep them in the sport,” Garnett said.
According to the businessman, his support will go towards the Charlestown youngster purchasing equipment and cricket gear, and to assist in his travel to training and matches.
“I didn’t just want to give him the money, but put it as an incentive to motivate him to do well for the team. In other words, I wanted him to work for it and know that through hard work, he’s going to be rewarded,” Garnett said.
He added, “This support is to also ensure that young Silas stays the course in the sport and be a role model for youths in the Charlestown community and to show that sport can be used to elevate their lives.”
Garnett is known for his support of many budding talents in the disciplines of basketball, football and tennis, while also assisting several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
After facing Berbice today, Silas and his GCB XI team will play Essequibo on Wednesday, followed by an encounter with Demerara.
Matches will be played at Enmore, Everest, and the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground (GCC). First-ball time is 09:30h at each venue.
A GCB release stated that this year’s tournament is expected to be very competitive, with most of the players from last year returning because of the eligibility age implemented by Cricket West Indies for all age group tournaments in 2023.
Silas, like the other players, will be looking for a place on the Guyana team that is set to compete in the Regional Under-15 tournament, slated to commence on April 2 in Antigua and Barbuda.
