Chief Operations Officer of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pete Russell yesterday told Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton that attendance at the games could double if the Providence stadium was expanded.
According to a release from the Ministry of Social Cohesion, during a courtesy call by Russell, Norton discussed several plans to improve the experience for patrons and the capacity of the Guyana National Stadium. The release said that Russell stated that game attendance could double if the stadium’s seating capacity is increased.
The release said that Russell also sought to have issues surrounding accommodation when tournaments are hosted in Guyana addressed. He is of the view that more needs to be done in the sector; not only to provide adequate accommodation for visitors, but also to offer competitive rates.
On attendance and support for the tournament in Guyana, Russell said he is overwhelmed with the support and noted that despite the current political climate, Guyanese have embraced each other and “coexist in a cohesive environment during matches”. The release said that he posited that there is no divisiveness based on politics or race which he considers impressive.
The two also spoke of plans to expand cricket beyond the coast to persons living in the hinterland. Norton, the release said, posited that the expansion of cricket to the outlying regions could see persons becoming regional ambassadors for the sport.
Russell broached plans for the expansion of CPL Tournaments in becoming what he considers “a little more gender-friendly”. He said that there is a long-term plan have a women’s tournament in the interest of diversity.
Questions have been raised here about the financial terms of the Guyana deal with CPL. Neither the government nor CPL has publicised details of their financial arrangements and it is unclear whether Guyana is getting value for money or CPL is creaming off huge profits from the Guyana leg where attendance levels are high.
Analysts says both the former and current governments have seen the political benefits of engagement with the CPL.
From left are Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, Permanent Secretary, Melissa Tucker and CPL COO, Pete Russell
