By Tiadi Blair

Republic Bank has answered the call of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GUYBCA) to  the corporate community for support in developing blind cricket in Guyana.

From left to right are Rendy Murray, President of Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GUYBCA) Mark Harper, and Communications and Public Relations Officer of Republic Bank Jonelle Dummett.

Republic Bank yesterday donated a cheque in the amount of $191,168 to the association to assist with special awards and trophies to hand out during the tournament slated for July 18.

So far the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), New Building Society and VSO Guyana are the major sponsors of this year’s tournament.

Corporate giant GT&T has also undertaken  to provide uniforms for the Guyana team in this tournament. The Ministry of Home Affairs is said to have provided the trophy for ‘Man of the Match’.

Communications and Public Relations Officer of Republic Bank Limited, Jonelle Dummett said  the partnership with GUYBCA is one which has been well orchestrated and fits Republic Bank’s agenda for sport in Guyana.

“This partnership is very timely since we are moving the social investments toward the differently able in our community. This partnership is to the tune of $200,000 and will go to trophies and special awards.”

President of GUYBCA Mark Harper added that the association was grateful for such a donation to pull off an event on such a scale. He also stated his interest in furthering the partnership with the company.

“Cricket is more than a sport in Guyana and the Caribbean and I am very happy that Republic Bank has joined us in providing the visually impaired and visually disabled opportunities to partake in this wonderful sport.”

Hotel Tropical View and Aracari have now been designated as the accommodation facilities for the local team along with the squads from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

The team is currently attending practice sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00hrs to 15:00hrs at the Gandhi Youth Organisation ground but weather conditions have hindered progress. However treasurer of GUYBCA Theresa Pemberton who observed the team in practice said they are doing a great job. She added that the bowling aspect of the game has been one of the Guyana team’s strong points.

Much is expected of the local team since the 4th Regional Tournament of the West Indies Blind Cricket will be hosted in Guyana for the first time from July 18 through 26.