– hosting first-class cricket now possible in 2 years
History was created at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) cricket facility. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday evening flipped the switch to unveil the international standard lights at the new and improved LBI Community Centre ground, which is under the full control of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
The two teams at the opening of the LBI facility along with the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Speaker of the House Manzoor Nadir, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie and other representatives (Photos: News Room)
According to the GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, the ultimate aim of this facility is to host first-class cricket within the next two years. Sanasie indicated that the vision was one which was being worked towards over the last 10 years, and during the last five years, they were able to acquire a 99-year lease from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
He indicated that the playing area is only in the first phase of development, and the drainage can challenge that of the National Stadium at Providence at any given time.
The lights at the LBI facility
Additionally, plans are in place for a “state-of-the-art” Media Centre and a stage, along with a practice facility by the new players’ pavilion, which will have six all-weather pitches, as they seek to reach international standards. The northern end of the ground will be the main pavilion for seating and for the hospitality boxes.
“In less than two years, the playing area was completed along with the installation of the LED lights, which still have to be focused by the engineer, which is expected to be done within a week,” Sanasie explained.
Delighted, Minister Persaud, who is also Head of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, envisioned this as the beginning of great things for the future of cricket and other sporting events. Minister Persaud charged the officials to ensure the facility is not used only for cricket, but is available for the entire community, and she also expressed hope to see female teams being developed.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the Everest Cricket Club, Manzoor Nadir, was ecstatic to witness this development. He noted that cricket in Guyana will be competitive at various levels. Nadir disclosed that a national first division tournament will be launched in the near future, with the winning purse being some G$1 million, and negotiations are ongoing to have a motorcar as the reward to the Most Valuable Player.
Further, Nadir said the Everest Cricket Club is looking to install international standard lights.
The LBI facility also houses the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence (indoor practice facility and dormitory).
