GBTI injects G$3.5M into Beharry Groups’ U-19 School T20 League

In a powerful demonstration of corporate synergy, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has stepped forward with a G$3.5 million injection to back the flagship youth sports initiative of its parent company, the Beharry Group.

GBTI Senior Risk Officer Tonia Griffith, who handed over the funds to Karishma Ramnauth of the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, completed the ceremonial passing of the $3,500,000 sponsorship cheque

The inaugural Beharry Group Under-19 Schools Cricket Tournament, which officially bowls off this weekend, represents a major logistical undertaking aimed at revitalising grassroots cricket across Guyana.

Running until August 8, the tournament will feature a staggering 80 teams spanning Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, highlighting an ambitious nationwide footprint.

The tournament’s structure is designed for maximum exposure and competition. It begins with local zonal qualifiers, after which the top eight teams from the winning zones will advance to a high-stakes, round-robin national segment. From there, the top four teams will battle it out in the knockout playoffs.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony at the Bank’s Head Office in Kingston, GBTI Senior Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings emphasised the tournament’s potential to unearth the next generation of Guyanese cricketing talent.

“It was created by the Beharry Group really to promote cricket among the youths in Guyana. GBTI is happy to be a part of this tournament. As we celebrate 190 years under this banner, we hope that this tournament does lead to future talent for Guyana and potentially the West Indies team”, Cummings expressed.

The initiative has found strong institutional backing, with full sanction from the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts.

While the tournament officially opens this weekend, the cyclical Guyanese weather has already forced organisers to alter their plans.

Troy Peters, representing the coordinating Petra Organisation, confirmed that persistent inclement weather along the coast has forced a rescheduling of the official opening ceremony and matches in Georgetown, Berbice, and the East Coast.

“The weather has not been very kind to us in Georgetown and along the coast,” Peters noted, though he assured that action in the affected zones will commence next weekend, provided conditions improve.

Despite the coastal dampener, the tournament presses ahead in the hinterland and rural zones. A heavily anticipated four-match schedule is set for Essequibo, while West Demerara will also see opening action.