Lukewarm reception for World T20 winning Guyanese women

By Rawle Toney

Tremayne Smartt and Shamaine Campbelle arrived in Guyana today aboard a LIAT flight at the Ogle International Airport and it was if the pair, who played a major role in helping the West Indies win their maiden World T20 tournament last Sunday in India, didnt exist.

No government official, no Executive Committee member of the Guyana Cricket Board, or did people even recognised the duo upon their arrival. It was an insult for the two players; the only two Guyanese to feature on the ICC’s biggest stage to return home to disheartening welcome.

Thanks to facebook the reception the other players received when they arrived to their respective Islands were seen, and it was entirely different than that of the Guyanese players.

What Smartt and Campbelle got was instead the Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel of the GCB, Rayon Griffith who urged the female world champions,  to build on their historic experience in the Women’s World T20 which finished with an emphatic victory for the Caribbean ladies last Sunday.

Griffith along with GCB Assistant Administrator, Melinda Bishundyal-Chaitram, were the ‘welcoming party’ present.

Griffith He stated that the GCB is proud that there were Guyanese representing the West Indies in the Tournament and have their names written in history as the first female West Indies team to achieve this glorious title. He said this exposure could only assist them to enhance their cricket; noting that they need continue with the discipline they showed in the World Cup and strive to be the best.

The Chairman of Selectors posited that the GCB plans to honour for the ladies in recognition of their efforts.

The Board hopes that this accomplishment by the regional women would motivate young girls to pursue a career in this sport which is becoming more accommodating for females.