International friendly a fitting tribute to Canada/Guyana relations

— says Christopher Jones

Canada’s High Commissioner Pierre Giroux said that the dream of Guyana-born Canadian Hall of Famer Alex Bunbury to have an international match featuring the nation of his birth and Canada has become a reality.

Speaking at a meet and greet featuring the two competing nations staged at his residence mere hours before the battle at the National Stadium in Providence, Giroux, during brief comments praised Bunbury for his efforts in making the contest a reality, noting, “Today, that dream has become reality and so we are very happy to see you all here; we hope that both teams will be playing well tomorrow.”

Similarly sharing his thoughts on today’s fixture, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chief Christopher Jones said “We are celebrating Guyana’s 50th anniversary and of course the relationship that Canada and Guyana share, indeed, this is the most fitting tribute.”

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Pierre Giroux, GFF Vice President Bruce Lovell and NSC Chief Christopher Jones shaking hands in solidarity while the members of the Golden Jaguars and Canada Olympic Team embrace.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Pierre Giroux, GFF Vice President Bruce Lovell and NSC Chief Christopher Jones shaking hands in solidarity while the members of the Golden Jaguars and Canada Olympic Team embrace.

According to Jones, it is an honour to be able to stage a fixture of such magnitude during the celebration.

“In honour of the Golden Jubilee, it was a desire of President David Granger to have an international friendly football match.”

Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Vice-President Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell thanked all the stakeholders that made it possible for the historic contest to be realized, declaring that one of the priorities of the entity’s executives is to create avenues for the exposure of the respective national teams.

Lovell further thanked the visiting team while wishing the best of them, said, “We have begun to see that strategy bearing fruit because from the start of the year to now, we have jumped 32 places in FIFA rankings.”