GCB/Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports launch historic National U-21 Inter-Club 50-Over Cricket tournament

Mar 12, 2025 Sports

-Minister Ramson announces Camp for pacers, urges Sports Associations to continue strengthening relationship with Government

By Clifton Ross

Kaieteur News- The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports by extension Minister Charles Ramson Jr. and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) broke historic ground with the launching of the ‘One Guyana’ National Under-21 Inter-Club 50-Over tournament.

GCB/Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports launch historic National U-21 Inter-Club 50-Over Cricket tournament

Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr. (center) alongside GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (right), NSC boss Steve Ninvalle (left) flanked by other members of the GCB, ECB and BBC, Ministry/NSC and players following yesterday’s groundbreaking launch at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Bridging the gap between youth and senior cricket, the entities broke new ground at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday afternoon, where Minister Ramson, National Sports Commission (NSC) head Steve Ninvalle, GCB president Bissoondyal Singh, Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) president Deleep Singh, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president Dr. Cecil Beharry, current West Indies Fielding Coach and Former Guyana Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith, among other executives of the GCB and members of the Ministry were present.

During his remarks, Dr. Beharry said he was pleased with what he called an investment in cricket, more so the youth adding that the competition will bridge the gap between junior and senior levels, while offering opportunities to late developers and those talents which may have fallen under the radar; to show their talent as cricketers.

ECB president and GCB vice-president Singh, believed that the tourney will be put to good use as a means of preparing for future competition and tournaments which are on the calendar of activities.

Singh added that Essequibo Cricket has been on an upward trajectory for almost 3 years with new Region One territories Mabaruma and Port Kaituma being added to the mix for the first time.

He pointed out that this new format will most definitely help to further buff the level of cricket across the Cinderella County, Guyana and West Indies.

Giving a bit of insight to the goals of the tournament, GCB boss Singh said this move provides additional chances for younger players to grow before venturing into the senior/international waters.

He thanked Minister Ramson for personally contributing to the venture while crediting His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and his team for the holistic, continued commitment towards cricket and sports in Guyana.

Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr. addresses the gathering. (GCB/Ministry of Culture)

Singh added that the need of a structured pathway, across the respective levels is crucial ahead of one’s international journey. He closed by challenging the players and teams to play competitive, professional cricket while wishing the best of luck.

Meanwhile, the feature address by Minister Ramson touched on a number of topics, but first highlighted how Guyana has lost talent because players could not make an U19 team in the past due to a lack of structure, something he said is responsible for the success in sports.

He cited the lack of stepping-stone, which resulted in a lack of opportunities, as more time spent working on one’s craft from a younger stage produces a finished product which is suitable for playing professional cricket.

“Talent capitalization, but you can’t get it without structure and playing in the middle”, said the Minister who called on sports associations to foster stronger relationships with the Government and the NSC, who are keen on giving their full support to the growth of all sporting activities across Guyana.

Another huge announcement made by Ramson, was a challenge he pitched out to Cricket West Indies (CWI) after announcing that the additional Stadiums which are being erected across the country, will be ready for play before the year ends; offering CWI the opportunity to host any tournament they choose in Guyana; making use of such venues free of cost.

A fast-bowling camp which will be conducted by the GCB is also in the pipelines, as the mission to recruit and scout the necessary pace talents for the future will get underway soon with the Ministry making a timely donation of speed guns for use during the camp.

The National U21 Tourney is set to bowl off in a few weeks’ time, with additional information to be announced in the days to come.

(GCB/Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports launch historic National U-21 Inter-Club 50-Over Cricket tournament)

(GCB/Ministry of Culture)

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Berbice Cricket Board, Camp for pacers, Minister Ramson, National U-21 Inter-Club 50-Over Cricket tournament, Sports Associations

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