No evidence of damage to Providence ground says Ramson Jr.,
—upon inspection
Following an inspection of the Guyana National Stadium ground after the staging of the GFF/Kashif and Shanghai ‘Bounceback Classic’, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., has refuted claims that the event resulted in damage to the playing area of international cricket facility.
Speaking to media operatives on Tuesday, Ramson Jr., said, “There is no damage to this pitch to stop its usage in its normal preparatory timing. So then the question is, why would they there be a disconcerted attempt, to malign the Stadium and the Ministry, only for the usage of cricket and persons who are favoured?”
The GFF/Kashif and Shanghai ‘Bounce Back Classic’, was staged at the venue over the course of two days. The opening night occurred on December 29th, with the grand final occurring on January 1st. However, the staging of the event at the venue was criticized in several sections of the media, after it was alleged that pitch was damaged.
It was reported that the six pitches on the square and the bowlers’ run-ups were in a terrible state after the conclusion of the tournament. The Guyana Cricket Board, who had written the Management of the Stadium for permission to utilize the venue in preparation for the Region Super-50, has criticized the decision to stage the football event on the venue.
According to Ramson Jr., “It is brought to my attention, that a body that calls themselves the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), wrote to the Management of the Stadium on January 6, to request the usage of the Guyana National Stadium in order for them to get ready for the Regional Super50. In any event, I’m advised, the groundsmen require three weeks’ notice, in order for them to get the pitch squared in a ready condition for them to get to use it.”
He added, “Let’s be clear that the Guyana National Stadium is not owned by anyone; it’s owned by the people of the country. It’s not owned by any sport, it is owned by the various sports which require its usage in order for them to be able advance their standing nationally and globally.”