Leading insurance providers NALICO and NAFICO have thrown their support behind the inaugural Beharry Schools’ U-19 T20 Cricket League by providing comprehensive insurance coverage for all participating players throughout the tournament.
At a presentation ceremony held at the companies’ headquarters on Regent and Hinck Streets in Georgetown, NALICO/NAFICO also donated cricket equipment that will be used during the competition, which is set to begin on June 13 and run for three months.
Chief Executive Officer Dean Robertson highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes as they compete across the country. He assured players that they would be covered under the companies’ insurance protection during all official tournament activities.
Robertson noted that while insurance may not always attract attention, it plays a critical role in providing security when unexpected incidents occur. He emphasized that protecting young people today is an investment in the future leaders of Guyana and the development of cricket in the country. Players will also receive information outlining the extent of their coverage during the tournament.
Beharry Group Chief Marketing Officer Malissa Sylvester praised the collaborative effort that has made the national competition possible. She expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education for recognizing the value of sports in the overall development of students and for supporting participation from schools across Guyana.
Sylvester also acknowledged the contributions of school administrators, teachers, coaches, and other partners who have helped bring the tournament to life. Special recognition was given to the Petra Organisation for its ongoing commitment to youth development and sports promotion through strategic partnerships.
The competition will culminate in August and will initially feature regional zone matches involving schools from across the country. The eight zone champions will advance to a national round-robin stage, after which the top four teams will progress to the playoff rounds.
A total of 80 school teams will compete in the historic tournament. Regions One and Two will be combined into one zone, while Regions Three and Seven will also compete together. East Bank Demerara and Upper Demerara will each feature eight teams, East Coast Demerara will field ten teams, and the North and South Georgetown zone will include twelve teams. West Berbice will be represented by fourteen teams, while East Berbice will have six participating schools.
The Beharry Schools’ U-19 T20 Cricket League is officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and receives additional support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, further reinforcing its significance in nurturing young cricketing talent across Guyana.