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Junior Sinclair celebrates a wicket in CPL (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

A tall off-spinner, Sinclair is 22 and has performed well enough to make it into the West Indies Emerging team that took on Ireland in 50-over games recently, and he relished the chance to represent the region.

“I always wanted to put on that maroon. It was good, definitely a learning experience for me. I learned a lot, the coaching was very helpful. I was trying to get as much as I can while I was over there working with the coaches on all aspects of my game.”

Sinclair was just 12 years old when the first CPL match took place, and he has always wanted to be part of the Amazon Warriors set-up, so getting to represent his home franchise is a dream come true.

“Growing up I was wanting to be a part of the Warriors team. I always want to be here, my style of game, and also the format. It is great that I could actually be a part of such a franchise and the CPL set-up. The CPL gave me a call for the West Indies Emerging team earlier this month, so it has played a significant part.”

Having been a Warriors fan for so many years, Sinclair describes being part of the team that won the title in 2023 as “surreal”.

“Prior to me getting into this squad I was always looking forward to that championship moment for the Warriors. From the inception in 2013, Guyana was regarded as one of the most consistent franchises, but never place hands on that trophy. To actually be a part of that team that won it for the first time, that was a dream come true. When I get home after the tournament, reflecting back on it, it was like “wow”, it’s such a beautiful thing to actually be a part of that team.

“It is a very, very, friendly environment. Everybody is so loving and camaraderie between everybody. So, you know, it’s very good. I enjoy every moment, every second of it.”

Champions! Guyana Amazon Warriors won their first title in 2023

Sinclair is full of praise for everyone involved in the triumphant Warriors team, but he picks out the captain, Imran Tahir, as someone who has played a big part in this year’s success and in terms of helping him with his career.

“Imran Tahir is someone you can approach. We had a lot of talks and he asked me questions and he tried to pick my brain and see where I’m at and stuff like that. He has a very outgoing personality which I love. You could go up to him, he is like a father figure. He makes it so easy to chat to him. He’s willing to share his knowledge and makes you feel welcome.”

Sinclair has been part of the Amazon Warriors squad as a Lasco Emerging Player and won the award for the best youngster at the 2023 tournament.

He says the Emerging Player programme at the CPL is important to young cricketers like him. This ensures that there is a minimum of 30 appearances across the tournament for the 12 Emerging Players.

“It’s very good, it gives us as youngsters a good platform to rub shoulders with senior guys in the region and international guys. You could pick their brain and try to implement stuff from their game into your game. As a youngster it is all about development and I saw that as a big step, a big part of my development, so I think it’s very good inclusion. In my view it as a great opportunity. I saw it as an opportunity for me to showcase my talent.” (CPL)

Members of the new executive of the Essequibo Cricket Board

Rooplall Looknauth assumes the position of Treasurer, with assistance from Adjodha Lall. Basil Persaud, the Caretaker of the ECB Hostel, steps into the role of Public Relations Officer, while Kumar Dass takes charge as Marketing Manager.

Yogeshwar Lall, a former national youth player, brings his expertise to the position of Chairman of the Competitions Committee.

Janice Griffith and Khemraj Surujpaul will serve as Trustees, ensuring the integrity of the board.

The crucial role of Auditor for the ECB has been entrusted to PKF Barcellos/Narine Chartered Accountants, emphasising the commitment to financial transparency and accountability within the organisation.

In his statement upon re-election, Singh expressed a commitment to continuing cricket development.

He emphasised the importance of providing every young man and woman with the opportunities they deserve to play cricket, despite challenges such as transportation, grounds and sponsorship.

Singh also highlighted the need for strengthening of the area committees, and envisioned a collaborative effort to overcome obstacles. He also mentioned plans for the ECB cricket hostel to become operable this year.

Present at the election was CWI Director and President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Bissoondyal Singh and CEO of the GCB, Claude Raphael.

Rafeek Kasim speaking at the presentation ceremony

“We at Kascon Engineering have one saying, ‘Test cricket was made for the Gods, average men play ODI and T20 cricket,” Kasim said.

“With three double-centuries at the age of 14, with an uncle who played at the highest level, with a father whose name is synonymous with a complete cricketer, and probably the best all-rounder in the Canje district, Mr. Adrian Hetmyer, we at Kascon Engineering are proud to be part of your life for the next 12 months. We are more than grateful to have you part of our family.”

“We do hope in whatever way we can make your life better, just know we are always here for you.”

Young Hetmyer expressed his gratitude to Kasim and his company for the support. He noted that this sponsorship will benefit him significantly in his career.

Already a national Under-15 player, Adrian is aiming to go one step higher in 2024 at the regional level.

Noting that he had a bad regional season in 2023, the young player is aiming to improve in the coming season.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board Dr. Cecil Beharry was also present, and he spoke highly of young Hetmyer.

Additionally, Coach of the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, Ameer Rahaman was in high praise for Kascon, for recognising Adrian’s talent.

A right-handed batsman, Adrian was recently called up to the Guyana Harpy Eagles senior trials, while in Berbice, he has featured in senior and junior club cricket, where he has shown he is a cut above the rest.

Additionally, Kasim donated cricket balls to the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, as he believes that club has shown significant growth in producing quality cricketers.

Kascon Engineering is a company in Guyana which specialises in the construction of roads, buildings, and sea defenses.

Kasim is no stranger to cricket, as he played the game competitively and has served in administrative roles.

He was once at the helm of the Young Warriors Cricket Club.

Several female players are contesting the tournament

Competing in the Women’s category are 2023 National Women’s Champion Jessica Callender, Sasha Shariff, Shazeeda Rahim and youngsters Aditi Joshi and Ciel Clement, to name a few.

“Proving that there are no limits to game performance based on age, this tournament promises excitement and will prove that chess is a battle of wits and strategy. The total prize fund is G$70,000. Prizes for first to third places in either category are G$20,000, G$10,000 and G$5,000 respectively,” a release from the GCF outlined.

“The tournament will be played by FIDE (International Chess Federation) rules. Players will see their ratings dip or move upwards based on their performance. The Chief Arbiter for the tournament is FIDE Arbiter John Lee, assisted by FIDE Arbiter Anand Raghunauth and National Arbiter Odit Rodrigues.”

The CENTURY 21 Chess Grand Prix One is the first of four similar tournaments billed for 2024.

“Each Grand Prix tournament gives players a chance to earn Grand Prix points, which will be tabulated in conjunction with their scores earned from the 2023 and 2024 National Open Championships and 2024 National Women’s Championship tourneys,” the GCF release added.

“These top scores will ultimately determine the team for the 45^th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Players who also compete regularly can improve their internationally recognised FIDE ratings.”

Ciel Clement (backing camera) playing against Sasha Shariff

Grand Prix One and Grand Prix Two will be a rigorous testing experience for top male and female chess players to be eligible for selection in the upcoming inaugural CARICOM tournament in March 2024.

The top eight players will have the opportunity to represent the country at this prestigious event.

Updates on each round of the Grand Prix One games, and player results can be viewed on the GCF website: www.guyanachess.gy

“The GCF extends its gratitude to the CENTURY 21 Real Estate Company for its collaboration and sustained partnership in the further growth of chess locally. The Federation also would like to thank the National Sports Commission for the use of the Racquet Centre,” the GCF release concluded.