Interviews and photos by Desilon Daniels
Anand Jabar, watch salesman – ‘Guyana is playing good but I don’t like what’s going on with the team. I didn’t see [Sunil] Narine the other night. He said he’s not feeling well and we were short a bowler. If he been there we would’ve seen a different outcome. He needs to remember that he’s playing for a franchise. But otherwise Guyana is doing well.’
Neil Paul, watch technician – ‘It’s a very interesting competition and Guyanese always support it. The price this year was a little high and it would’ve attracted more crowd if the price was lower. You got to take into consideration big families and people who want to take out the complete family. They should take that into consideration for next year. I only got to go to one game last week. Guyana stands a good chance of coming back and being in the finals again this year but this year a lot of teams picked up and are working harder. The competition is definitely interesting.’
Colleen Tobin, security guard – ‘I listened in to a few matches the other night with my children and we were rooting for Guyana. They enjoyed it a lot and were cheering for the fours and six. I didn’t really get to be into it because I was in the kitchen but from the shouts I could tell it was an exciting match. It’s good that it’s a challenging competition. I think Guyana will do well again.’
Shahid Bacchus, vendor – ‘I like the Jamaican team and from the start I was backing the Tallawahs. I’m about the crocodile curry and even though I’m Guyanese I’m supporting Jamaica. I’m a big cricket fan. I like everything about the Tallawahs from the signal to their moves and all the nice atmosphere. The competition overall is nice. The teams are all playing their best and are putting out good work.’
Joseph Welcome, salesman – ‘Guyana made a good start and I think if they continue and keep up the effort they can go far. I understand that they’ve lost two matches so far and they made a good effort in the matches. If they continue with the same spirit it’ll be good. The first time the games started they ended up in the finals. I think they might make it this time around but they just have to be a bit more focused. The competition is a good investment. I was surprised to see the amount of people that turned out at the stadium so that shows that cricket is appreciated here. It’s also showcasing a lot of talent for the Caribbean people so they can even select people from these teams and make up a proper West Indies team.’
Adelle Boyce, self-employed – ‘The cricket is good and exciting. I saw a few of the matches and I think Guyana is performing well. In the last match they performed well but Trinidad just had the better chance to win; but I knew Trinidad would’ve won because of the Bravo brothers. They lost in the last game because they couldn’t control the runs. If Narine fit to be in the future matches then he’ll definitely help them to make it to the finals.’
Leon Seymour, vendor – ‘Guyana is doing well so far. I saw a few of the matches but not so much. I’m more of a football person. I felt a little bad when Guyana lost in our own country last week. We still tried hard. Guyana still has a chance to win this whole thing though. It’s all about trying.’
Andy Henry, vendor – ‘It’s a good thing they bring out. It’s more options for Guyanese and Caribbean players to perform to a level. I’m backing Guyana and Narine is my favourite player ‘cause he’s a mysterious guy. I think Guyana will win and it’ll be a nice time for Guyanese. Even if Guyana is not in the finals I might most likely watch the cricket still but Guyana will be in. I think it will be Guyana and Jamaica in the finals.’
Hubert Sam, clerk – ‘I don’t really follow cricket but I saw the last match with Guyana. I’m really disappointed about the last match. Guyana had it all the way through then lost control but they got it back towards the end but still lost it. It was a slip up on Guyana’s part ‘cause we were dominating the game right through. One of their star bowlers Narine was out so maybe that made them lose too. I’m still watching the games. If they make it to the finals they’ll be playing against Jamaica for sure. The competition overall is interesting.’
Akeem Niles, eight years old – ‘I’ve seen only four of the matches and I want Barbados to win because the country is beautiful. I’m also backing Guyana. I feel bad when Guyana lost. I think if Guyana make it to the finals they’ll have to play against the Tallawahs or the Red Steel.’
