It was revealed yesterday by the Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton that Government is now standing the cost of the replay screen that is required for the Women’s World T20 to be hosted by Guyana just days away.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry disclosed that the screen for the Guyana National Stadium has attracted a cost of US$160,000.
It was previously divulged by the Minister that the screen was going to be sponsored by corporate Guyana with potential sponsors already on board, however the Minister acknowledge that the Ministry of Finance was approached for the money to purchase the screen.
Norton explained that those in charge were given all assurances from companies that they would assist in the procuring of the screen however, the Minister posited that he believes one of the reason they pulled out was the Government’s objection to branding the Stadium.
“A memo was taken to cabinet to seek what is referred to as a no-objections to a financial commitment from cabinet hoping corporate Guyana or the companies would come on board and assist. We were encouraged and assurances from certain sectors of Corporate Guyana would have done so.” Norton added that “one of the reasons the stadium was selected is because it is one of the cleanest in the Caribbean. It is not branded and the businesses that wanted to come and help us to acquire that screen wanted to brand the stadium with their names and logos which was not granted and this might have caused them to not carry through on their promises.”
Nevertheless, Norton assured that “If everything goes right we are expecting that screen to be here by tonight [last night].” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Melissa Tucker said that there are no ‘ifs or buts’, the stadium will have the replay screen up as of November 4. Norton said he, as well as a majority of the Caribbean are excited to have the historic tournament hosted here.
This is the first ever stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament and West Indies are the defending champions with matches slated from November 9-24.
