GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has defended Guyana against criticism they will be poor regional representatives at the lucrative Twenty20 Champions League in South Africa next month.

Dr Anthony was speaking against the backdrop of scathing comments by Trinidadian sport writer Andre Baptiste who has openly criticized Guyana’s qualification for the multi-million tournament after the team won the inaugural Caribbean T20 Trophy last Saturday.

Writing in the Guardian newspaper, Baptiste said: “This team is just not up to international standard and will be a poor representative for this region. Guyana was not the best team in the tournament.”

But Dr Anthony hit back this week, reiterating that Guyana had merited their spot at the international tournament where they will meet the world’s best.

“I want to say clearly so that it won’t be missed by anybody,” Dr Anthony said.

“The Guyana team went to the tournament they won the tournament they have earned their right not only to represent Guyana, but to represent the Caribbean region.”

Guyana beat Barbados by one wicket in a thrilling final at Queen’s Park Oval, to lift the trophy and clinch their spot in the Champions League. Along the way, they defeated hot favourites Trinidad and Tobago who campaigned successfully in the Champions League last year, playing unbeaten to reach the final before losing to Australian state side New South Wales.

Baptiste said he was “afraid Guyana may create such a poor impression, that they will erode the goodwill as we look to earn two places in future IPL Champions League tournaments.”

However, Dr Anthony said these comments were a clear indication of Baptiste’s disappointment over Trinidad and Tobago’s failure to qualify this time around.

“You remember the fox and the grape story, and they might be a little bit sour,” Dr Anthony said.

“Let them know that the people of this country stands behind our cricket team and will stand behind any sports team who go out to represent our country.

“We’re extremely pleased with the performance of the team and especially Foo (Jonathan) who really played a brilliant innings and the government is very pleased with how our team performed and I hope that they continue such brilliant performances as they move to South Africa.”

Guyana captain Ramnaresh Sarwan said Guyana were ready for the big stage in South Africa and would be using the next month to beef up their preparations.

“We will have to prepare the best [and] I think it’s going to be very important for us to try and do that,” said the West Indies batsman.

“And like the minister said they will be trying to help us as much as possible and hopefully we will be prepared so when we get there we could hit the ground running.”