Barima/Waini association formally joins Essequibo cricket structure

The Barima/Waini Cricket Association has been formally incorporated into the Essequibo Cricket Board’s (ECB) constitutional structure, giving Region One an established place in Guyana’s cricket administration.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced that the inclusion was approved through a constitutional amendment at an ECB Special General Meeting in October 2026. The amendment concerns the ECB Constitution, contained in Schedule IV of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act of 2014.

The move provides a framework for closer coordination of coaching, player identification, competitions and administrative development in Region One. It also creates greater opportunities for hinterland players, clubs and communities to participate in organised cricket.
The Barima/Waini Cricket Association is headed by elected Chairman Sherlon Rodrigues and comprises 20 affiliated clubs. Its other elected officers are Vice Chairman Rich Skinner, Secretary Earl Doningo, Treasurer Letesha Rose Benn and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Earl Richards.
The GCB said the existing club network provides a foundation for expanding grassroots and youth cricket across the region.
Efforts to restructure and develop cricket in the region One began in 2021, following the election of the GCB administration led by President Bissoondyal Singh. ECB President Deleep Singh and his executive committee have helped mobilise and support that work.
According to the GCB, several players from Barima/Waini have since progressed through the Essequibo system, earning opportunities to represent the county and Guyana.

Among the players identified were Yonette Welcome, Anastasia Valenzuela, Shenesa Thomas, Alia Henry, Katie Blake, Sowanna Booker, Darwin Joseph, Bruce Vincent, Usain Fredricks, Makaya Holmes and Katie France.
Henry’s admission to the West Indies Under-19 cricket camp was highlighted as an example of the opportunities available to emerging hinterland players.
The GCB commended the ECB leadership, Rodrigues, his executive and representatives of the 20 affiliated clubs for their roles in securing the association’s formal inclusion.
The national board described the development as part of its effort to build a more inclusive cricket structure, with stronger connections between hinterland communities and the organised game.