“2027 going forward…” – President Ali shares vision for Sports Economy

The brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali, the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 tournament, is a massive undertaking geared at the development of Guyana’s image as a viable sport destination, and at its sport economy.
It is the worst kept secret that President Dr Irfaan Ali has high hopes for what sport can do for Guyana, and while the Head of State is happy to see the GSL T20 getting underway, his vision will not be stopping here, as he has expressed an intention to have similar events for other sports.
President Ali shared these sentiments during an invited comment with media operatives during a cocktail mixer on the eve of the GSL T20’s commencement.
“That is exactly what I want in the sports economy. That’s why I spoke about the sporting ecosystem. We’re looking for this to spin off into Basketball, Football, and also to look at ways in which we can bring international events, whether it’s Boxing, MMA fighting; that is part of the sports infrastructure and architecture we want to build. Of course, out of that we have the cultural aspect. Whether it’s concerts and so on, all of that will integrate to give the total experience of the sports economy,” President Ali shared.

He added, “So yes, this is the beginning of this massive sporting ecosystem that we want to build out for Guyana. I’m hoping for the day, very soon, when we could bring four of the best football clubs in the world to play here.”
Quizzed about whether or not Guyanese could soon see a major player like India being brought into the GSL T20, President Ali revealed that such discussions are already underway.
The Head-of–State divulged, “Long before Prime Minister Modi (had made his recent visit to Guyana), we started discussions. I asked the Minister of Sport to open up discussions with the Indian Cricket Board. You see, the UK is here, Pakistan is here, Australia is here, all the big players. So, India is a big market, influential market, and what I will call the epicenter of cricket; so, it’s important that we get them on board. Engagement is ongoing with the Indian Cricket Board, and I’m sure that with hard work, the type of work that we’re doing, and the relationship that we’re building, that we could see success.”
With an eye on building a viable sports economy for Guyana, the head-of-State went on to lay out plans for the coming years beyond 2027.
“The next five years, we’re going to accelerate in unbelievable ways,” he said.
“Listen, I’m not dreaming, I’m telling you we will all live to see the day – and I hope that my Presidency will be able to accomplish it – when we would have a world class Heavyweight Boxing Championship fight here. We have to work to get 12 main events. From 2027 going forward, we have to get 12 main events in this country every year, mind-blowing events that will bring the world to Guyana. What I’m working on with the Cabinet is to bring the world to Guyana,” the Head of State detailed.
Further, he noted, “This can only come with relationship-building. That is why relationship-building is so important, and every time you go out of the country, every time you meet other leaders, you’re expanding that relationship and opening up new opportunities.”
A historic event and first of its kind for Guyana, the first step in President Ali’s plan, the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 bowled off on Tuesday evening with viewership around the world. (Jemima Holmes)