The conclusion of the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme in Guyana marked a meaningful milestone in youth sports development across the Caribbean. As the fifth and final territory to wrap up its 2025 edition – following St Lucia, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago – Guyana brought the campaign to a spirited close, celebrating talent, discipline, and the growing love of cricket among children.
Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Ronald Williams, underscored the strength of the collaboration between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Republic Bank, emphasising its long-term impact on player development. “The partnership between CWI and RBL will ensure that our young cricketers have the pathway to develop their skills and to move on progressively from the very tender age into the structured Guyana Cricket from the U-13 level, U-15, U-17, U-19 and onwards.”
Williams also urged the young players to uphold discipline both on and off the field, reminding them that character forms the foundation of sporting excellence. “To be good cricketers, you must be disciplined. Your talent must be supplemented by discipline and commitment. Discipline such as discipline to listen to your teachers, discipline in the home, discipline to do homework, discipline to make up your beds, discipline to listen to your parents and discipline to do your errands all inculcate for you to become good cricketers and good people in society.”
Adding his commendation, Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti De Souza highlighted the alignment between the programme and national priorities for youth development. He thanked Republic Bank for continuing to invest in a programme that mirrors President Ali’s vision for active, well-rounded students. He noted that the tournament supports the President’s commitment to fostering healthy, focused, and disciplined students, encouraging them to stay committed to their goals and aspire toward representing their county, their country, and even the West Indies.
Cricket West Indies’ Senior Project Officer for Schools Cricket, KJ Singh, emphasised the programme’s regional significance. “The partnership between Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank on the Five for Fun Cricket programme is vital. It lays the groundwork for cricket development at both the national and regional levels, allowing hundreds of children in Guyana and other participating Caribbean countries the opportunity to learn and play the game in a fun, engaging way, fostering a lifelong love for the sport.”
He further noted the broader community value fostered through this collaboration. “CWI believes that cricket plays a crucial role in promoting early life skills development, empowering youth, and strengthening communities through collaborative efforts and a shared vision. The partnership with Republic Bank through the Five for Fun Cricket programme has significantly expanded our reach and participation in all-inclusive cricket. This foundational programme has also provided the cricket community in Guyana and the region with an excellent platform to discover and nurture talented boys and girls, guiding them toward the next level of the national cricket pathway.”
With Guyana bringing the 2025 edition to a close, the Republic Bank Five for Fun Programme once again demonstrated its power to unify communities, inspire young athletes, and strengthen the future of cricket throughout the Caribbean.
Discover more from Guyana Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
