The National Gymnasium in Georgetown witnessed an electrifying conclusion to the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme on November 15, 2025, as St Lawrence Primary from Essequibo emerged victorious in a fiercely contested national championship. The indoor venue, necessitated by unseasonal rains, failed to dampen the spirits as young athletes delivered a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship.
This grassroots initiative, now in its third year of operation in Guyana, has evolved into a significant developmental platform for youth cricket. The 2025 edition engaged 75 primary schools across all three counties—Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo—providing hundreds of children with exposure to cricket fundamentals through an inclusive, fast-paced format emphasizing participation and enjoyment.
The championship finale featured round-robin competition between county champions: St Lawrence Primary (Essequibo), Massiah Primary (Berbice), and Supply Primary (Demerara). After intense competition, St Lawrence prevailed over a determined Massiah Primary team to claim the national title.
Tournament accolades were distributed among standout performers: Tianna Steele of St Lawrence secured both Best Batter and Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Susanie Turnail (Massiah Primary) received Best Bowler recognition, while Avidesh Pitam (Massiah Primary) earned Best Fielder distinction. The Spirit of the Game award was presented to Massiah Primary for exemplary sportsmanship.
Senior officials highlighted the program’s significance in national sports development. Ronald Williams, Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, emphasized the partnership between Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank creates “a pathway for young cricketers to develop skills progressively from tender ages through structured cricket programs.”
Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer, connected the tournament to President Ali’s vision for holistic student development, noting the alignment with goals for creating “well-rounded pupils who are healthy and active.”
The Honourable Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, challenged organizers to expand the program’s reach, urging expansion “into the hinterland to discover talented athletes” and increase participation beyond the current 75 schools.
Republic Bank representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. Jonelle Dummett, Manager of Marketing and Communications, stated: “Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence and develop skills that can turn today’s young enthusiasts into tomorrow’s cricket legends.”
KJ Singh, Cricket West Indies Senior Project Officer, confirmed the organization’s dedication to working with stakeholders to “expand our reach to more communities and schools annually” as the program looks toward the 2026 season.
Guyana’s finale marked the conclusion of the 2025 ‘Five for Fun’ Programme across the Caribbean, following successful tournaments in St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago.









