President Ali names Sarwan, Harper to develop Indigenous athletes

– envisions indigenous talent representing Guyana

Fresh from his United Nations visit in New York, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made his first stop at the Amerindian Heritage Games currently being hosted at Everest Cricket Club in Camp Street, Georgetown.
President Ali on Saturday made some groundbreaking announcements in relation to further include indigenous communities across various sports disciplines. One of these is the selection of former West Indies cricketers Ramnaresh Sarwan and Roger Harper to work along with the indigenous communities to strengthen their representation in Guyana’s cricket.
“For too long, our indigenous athletes did not get the opportunity that other athletes had to represent Guyana. I have tasked Minister Charles Ramson, Minister Jacobs, and Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek to ensure equal opportunity is given for indigenous communities to represent the golden arrowhead in all national sports,” President Ali said.

Ali also noted that the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will have to play its role in the development of indigenous cricket across Guyana.
“I have also asked the Guyana Cricket Board to include a national indigenous team to start with in their national competitions and trials. So, the best males and females will have an opportunity. I have asked the Minister to do the same for football, volleyball, and basketball,” the President explained.
Ramnaresh Sarwan will be the mentor, coach, and development person for indigenous cricket in Guyana.
“He will be responsible for working with indigenous boards and groups to select the first indigenous team to be part of the cricket infrastructure. I have asked Roger Harper to develop women ‘s cricket across the country, including women’s cricket in the indigenous communities,” the president noted.
The dynamic President, along with a plethora of Ministers, was present at Everest, and he emphasized the importance of One Guyana.
President Ali also engaged in a cricket match, where he was seen claiming a wicket and celebrating in Imran Tahir mode.