I can safely say that 2008 was rewarding for us

Jan 11, 2009 Sports

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– Bishwa Panday

While 2008 can be describes as a great year, President of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Bishwa Panday is optimistic that this year will be even better than the last.
Backed up by an executive with a wealth of experience on and off the field, the GCA was able to run off competitions in keeping with its mandate to promote the development of the players in Georgetown at all levels and ages to represent the City and other bodies.
“As president I think the executives banded together very well as a team as we sought to charter the way forward for the sport in the city. Despite many challenges we were able with the support of the corporate community and the clubs to play competitions at every level which kept the players active from the junior up to the veteran level.”
The GCA also ended the year in a healthy financial position of over one million dollars, not many national bodies can boast of being so rich. Competitions held during the year were the Cellink Plus Cup, a first division three day competition which saw 8 teams participating and seven rounds of matches played. The competition had started in 2007 but due to the inclement weather it was concluded last year. GNIC who won the league, met Malteenoes in the final which was inconclusive; both teams shared the top prize.
Another competition which rolled over from 2007, concluding last year was the 12-team Cummings Electrical / Raymond Panday two-day second division which was played in two zones.
Demerara Cricket Club took the top spot in the Pepsi Cup 40 overs first division tourney.
The Guyana Defence Force (zone A) and Malteenoes (zone B), winners of their respective zones were declared joint winners, rain again, hampering the completion of the final.
Lifetime Real Estate sponsored the under-15 40 overs which was won by GCC and saw the introduction of the bonus points system.
Ten under-19 clubs and six Secondary Schools battled for the DeSinco Cup, the teams were divided into two zones. Everest emerged winners.
Over-40 cricketers had their time to shine when they competed in the Steve’s Jewellery 30 overs tournament. GNIC and Malteenoes are slated to meet in the final.
In the Beharry Champion Cup, another second-division tournament, Demerara Cricket Club took the top spot.
The Busta Cup 20/20 competition for division-two teams will be concluded this year with the semi-finals and final. Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Transport are the remaining teams.
Transport emerged as the Georgetown winner of the Hand-in-Hand second division 50 overs knock-out and are awaiting the winners of the other area boards.
The GCA also won the Demerara Cricket Board under-15 and 17 Inter Association competitions.
In an effort to strengthen the relationship with club captains, the GCA organised a meeting with this target group but the turn out was not encouraging. Efforts will still be made to meet this important group since the GCA is of the view that they should be given the opportunity to interact with club officials with a view to sharing their views on the way competitions are organised and administered among other pertinent areas.
Recognising the efforts of outstanding teams and individuals was also a priority for the GCA with a total of seven presentations hosted.
Equipment and balls were presented to clubs and schools to assist in their development. Six schools received one gear kit each, valued over $900,000. Umpires were not left out as they received tee-shirts and for the first time, the GCA undertook to pay full umpires fees singlehandedly.
In a gesture of encouragement, a contribution of US $400 was given to the Georgetown under-17 players who were selected to represent Guyana at the Clico tournament hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.
All the sponsors and Friends of Cricket were complimented for their support for the sport throughout the year and Panday said he is looking forward to even more support in this New Year.
“On behalf of the executive, I wish to also sincerely thank all our affiliated clubs, donors, organisations, umpires and members of the media for their invaluable support last year and we are seeking their continued assistance in 2009.”
Development at the youth and school level will be areas of priority for the GCA in 2009 according to Panday.
The full GCA executive; Bishwa Panday (President), Alfred Mentore (Vice President), Clyde Butts (Vice President), Shalim Baksh (Secretary), Lynden Wilson (Assistant Secretary), Harry Parmesar (Treasurer), Dennis Wilson (Assistant Treasurer), Les Ramalho (Marketing Manager), Adam Harris (PRO), Shaun Messiah (Chairman Competitions Committee), Theresa Pemberton (Co-opted Women’s Cricket Coordinator).

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