Women’s T20 World Cup ushered in at Stabroek Square

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 was welcomed to Guyana in fine style on Thursday afternoon, as top officials, performers and the ordinary man gathered at the renowned Stabroek Market square for the launching of the auspicious cricketing event.
Under the theme “Watch This”, persons gyrated as they celebrated not only the contributions of women to Guyana and the Caribbean but also the Women’s World Cup coming to Guyana for the first time.
Guyana is one of three Caribbean countries (Saint Lucia and Antigua included) that will play host to 10 female teams from around the world, who will be competing for supremacy in the female league.
Present at the public celebration was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones who not only shared his thoughts on the ICC Women’s World Cup, but also took the time to declare the importance of women to Guyanese society.
“We are only too proud to be organising this event, but you see folks, most importantly, this is an opportunity for Guyana to demonstrate how we love our women. Women throughout the years are essentially the backbone of Guyana,” the Director of Sport said.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, who was also in the audience, took the time to encourage Guyanese women and patrons to support the 175th anniversary of Georgetown, which will be celebrated during the month of August.
An ecstatic Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton hyped up the growing crowd and reminded them that it was their duty to support and advertise the upcoming World Cup.
The Minister outlined the evolution of female cricket, stating, “Women’s cricket has come a long way; its records date back to the 1940s when the women of England were playing for barrels of ale and pairs of lace gloves. That is no longer the case today.”
He went on to explain that the credit for such a successful evolution was owed to the ICC. “Much credit is owed to the International Cricket Council for this evolution as it was the ICC who orchestrated the very first Women’s World Cup, which began on June 20, 1973,” Dr Norton disclosed.
The World Cup is slated for November 9-24 and will include teams from New Zealand, India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ireland. The National Stadium at Providence is expected to host 10 matches between November 9 and 17. The West Indian ladies are the current reigning champions after a thrilling victory in 2016.