“Teamwork, unity” integral to GAW win – President Ali

Teamwork and unity were among the standout traits of the victorious Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team for President Dr Irfaan Ali, as the Head of State revelled in their Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) championship win on Sunday night.
Quizzed about what he believed went into the Amazon Warriors’ first-ever CPL title win, the Head of State told media operatives that teamwork was paramount.
“Teamwork,” President Ali coolly responded.
He added, “I think the franchise played in great unity. The leadership was exceptional, but the teamwork and the way they meshed together, the way they operated together, the way they supported each other. I mean, the team had depth because every individual was playing for the collective and that is what made the big difference.”

As the President took in the scenes of fellow citizens celebrating in unison, he voiced his appreciation for such, describing it as an uplifting moment.
President Ali shared, “I think any moment that brings our country together and any moment that brings us to that celebratory spirit of who we are as Guyanese, lifting us and taking us forward, uplifting moment, that is what this moment is. I think the players have a good understanding now as to the impact their talent has on the general population.”
“So, I think this is a very uplifting moment; this is a moment of great joy, You know, when the country is in great joy and the people are happy, we can’t ask for better.”
Touching on the entire Cricket Carnival package, the Head of State highlighted the growth the initiative has seen over the years, while expressing an intention to foster further growth.
“Importantly, this is also a moment that we spoke of a year ago, when we said we’re going to host the CPL and we want to build a product, the Cricket Carnival and bring together not only cricket but the art, culture, food, music and today I was speaking to a number of regional artistes and leaders and they’re amazed to see, in just one year, two years, how this product has grown,” President Ali revealed.
He went on to add, “Last September was our highest arrival in history, we’re already 12 per cent ahead of that. So, the way this tournament has grown in just two years speaks about the potential and we’re going to continue to build on this and make this a major, major aspect of our tourism product.”
The Guyana Amazon Warriors pulled off a nine-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders to claim their first CPL title on Sunday. (Jemima Holmes)