GCB praises government’s ‘substantial investment’ in sport in 2026

Press Release from the Guyana Cricket Board

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extends warm congratulations to the Government of Guyana (GoG) on the presentation of the National Budget for 2026, which once again underscores Government’s unwavering commitment to national development.

Of particular significance is the allocation of $6 billion towards sport development, including $1.3 billion earmarked specifically for the maintenance and upgrading of sport grounds across the country.

This substantial investment reflects Government’s continued recognition of sport as a vital pillar for youth development, social cohesion and national pride.

The GCB commends this significant investment, which reinforces the Government’s strategic vision for the holistic development of sport across all 10 administrative regions.

This allocation provides continued opportunities for both infrastructural advancement and human resource development, ensuring that athletes at the grassroots, developmental and elite levels can benefit from improved facilities, structured programs and enhanced support systems.

As the governing body for cricket in Guyana, the GCB is especially appreciative of the positive implications this allocation holds for the continued growth of the nation’s premier sport.

Investments in the construction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing grounds across the counties will allow for the expansion of local, regional and international cricket while simultaneously fostering increased community participation and inspiring a new generation of cricketers.

In an invited comment, Head of the GCB, Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, noted that the tangible results of Government’s sustained investment are already evident. He highlighted the increasing number of Guyanese male and female cricketers representing the West Indies at various levels as well as those participating successfully in international franchise leagues.

Recently, two players were selected in the West Indies Under-19 team for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup 2026 presently being played in South Africa and Zimbabwe, while six players have been selected for the West Indies senior men’s team set to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.

Mr. Singh further pointed to the growing emergence of talent from hinterland and riverain communities, signalling a more inclusive and nationally-representative cricket landscape.

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s consistent advocacy for sport, cricket in particular, continues to set a strong example. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in positioning Guyana as a rising hub for sporting excellence in the Caribbean.

Initiatives such as the establishment of modern training facilities and academies, alongside youth-centered programmes, reflect a long-term commitment to sustainable sport development.

The Guyana Cricket Board therefore takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana, and in particular, His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, for their continued support, investment and steadfast commitment to the advancement of cricket and the wider sporting fraternity.

The GCB looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Government as together we continue to elevate cricket as a cornerstone of national development.