Women’s World T20 cricketers officially welcomed to Guyana

─ “When we talk about the glass ceiling, Guyana has not only touched it, we have in fact smashed” – PM Nagamootoo

DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 5, 2018

Female cricketers participating in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World T20, were on Sunday evening officially welcomed to Guyana. The simple cocktail reception held for the ladies took place at the Umana Yana, Kingston.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the functions of president, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, among other government officials and dignitaries attended the event.

ICC Representative, Holly Colvin.

[In the photo, from left to right] Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo along with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo enjoying the cultural show.

Some of the cultural items displayed.

Some of the cultural items displayed.

Some of the cultural items displayed.

Cricket teams South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, and Ireland were given a glimpse of Guyana through various cultural presentations in the form of dance, spoken word and songs.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted that women in Guyana are beginning to make their mark in many areas. He said the fact that Guyana is one of the host countries for the first ever stand-alone Women’s World T20, is testimony that the glass ceiling that was once there is no more.

“When we talk about the glass ceiling, Guyana has not only touched it, we have in fact smashed it and I think that the T20 competition in Guyana featuring women’s teams would be amazing to all of us who would like to see the full empowerment of our women, not only in the arena of politics and administration but in the arena of sports and the arena of culture.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted that the power of cricket is in bringing people together.

“Who better than women can send a message to the world that it is possible to live together, to work together, to play together and to become friends and partners rather than antagonists and confrontationists.”

ICC Representative, Holly Colvin said the game is going to be watched by over 160 countries worldwide and will be shown in China for the first time. “We have a chance in Guyana to inspire young girls across the world to take up cricket and that could be playing on the pitch, it could be officiating, it could be coming to watch a game for the first time and I think it is a really exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to what the next two weeks have in store” Colvin noted.

Guyana will host a total of 11 games, including three on the opening day of the tournament. The 10-team tournament, featuring three-time champions Australia, reigning ICC Women’s World Cup winners England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and defending champions the West Indies, plus two qualifiers, will be played across three venues in the Caribbean.

Isaiah Braithwaite.

Images by Kawise Wishart.