Guyanese Garfield Benjamin among cricketers stuck in T&T

Coronavirus on regional sport…

Former Guyana Under-19 batsman Garfield Benjamin is among those Guyanese who are stuck in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
With all borders having been closed in a measure designed to combat this deadly virus, it means that all those stuck are experiencing lockdown in unfamiliar territory.

Benjamin, who played for the Guyana U-19 team in 2019, spoke to this publication in an exclusive interview wherein he shared his experience during the lockdown.
“I’ve been in Trinidad and Tobago since February 4, where I came to play for the Cosmos Sports Club in the Premier Two Division. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, my team was in third place with a game remaining and another being under protest,” Benjamin explained.
The right-hander noted that this tournament was not the best of outings for him, but he is still thankful for the priceless experience.
“I know (that) with the things that I’ve learned I can put them into practice and improve my game,” the humble Berbician disclosed.
Benjamin has been making use of the space he has to do what little training he is able to do.
“Being away from physical training is hard, but with the room that I have, I have been putting in core work to keep my body active. It is tough being away from my family during this quarantine, but the family I am here with have shown good hospitality, and are willing to keep me until the borders are cleared and I can return home,” Benjamin explained.
The Tucber Park Cricket Club player is urging everyone to stay safe and follow the necessary guidelines, so that this outbreak may go away as soon as possible.
In an Inter-County Under-15 final against a power packed Demerara team, Benjamin produced a match winning knock of 59 which Berbicians still consider memorable.
Benjamin has been a seasoned player for Berbice youth teams at the inter-county level, and is aiming to transition smoothly into senior cricket.
Among the players stuck in Trinidad are Berbice pacer Demetri Cameron, axed West Indies Test opener Rajendra Chandrika, former Guyana seamer Paul Wintz, Port Mourant’s Samuel Kishnasammy, and Dion Ferrier. These Guyanese cricketers are anxiously awaiting their homecoming, and, like every athlete, are eager to get back in the field of play when it is safe. (Brandon Corlette)