West Indian Experience Inspires Future Cricketers Through Partnership and Investment
Written by EDYOU FM Staff on July 24, 2026
Young members of the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the Caribbean’s finest cricketers on Wednesday as Courts/Unicomer hosted the West Indian Experience, a youth-focused initiative designed to inspire the next generation while reinforcing the importance of investment in grassroots sport.
Held at Courts/Unicomer’s Main Street headquarters, the event brought together current West Indies players, corporate partners and government representatives for a morning centred on mentorship, community engagement and youth development. The highlight of the programme was the presentation of a $500,000 contribution from Courts/Unicomer to the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy to aid its continued growth.
Members of Courts, West Indies cricketers, and members of Malteenoes Cricket Club
Managing Director of Courts/Unicomer, Gillian Matthews, encouraged the young cricketers to embrace every opportunity the experience offered, reminding them that the players seated before them were once in their position.
From left Events Manager CWI Dario Barthley, Managing Director Unicomer (Guyana) Gillian Matthews, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Quasen Nedd Malteenoes Cricket Academy Coach, and members of the Club
“Enjoy every moment,” she urged. “Ask as many questions as you would like, take as many photographs as you want, because one day you might be standing right where these cricketers are, encouraging another generation of players.”
She also thanked the West Indies players for investing their time in mentoring the academy members, describing the interaction as an important step in shaping the future of the game.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle praised the initiative, describing it as a meaningful investment in Guyana’s sporting future and a reflection of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.
“It is a real pleasure for me to be looking at the future,” Ninvalle said. “If we have such a vision, then we must lend a hand in nurturing that future.”
He noted that Guyana is preparing to host several major international sporting events, including international cricket against New Zealand, the GT Challenge and a FIBA international basketball tournament, attributing those opportunities to sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and planning.
Ninvalle stressed, however, that government cannot develop sport alone.
“We need partners such as Courts because government alone cannot do this. We need private support to reach our full potential,” he said.
Banks DIH, through its Coca-Cola brand, also reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of cricket in Guyana. Public Relations Executive Sonia Forrester said the company’s support extends beyond sponsorship to creating memorable experiences for players and supporters alike.
“It is about bringing people together, creating shared memories and supporting young people and sport in Guyana,” she said, adding that the partnership reflects the company’s continued commitment to youth development.
Cricket West Indies Events Manager Dario Barthley underscored the value of initiatives that connect aspiring players with established professionals, noting that such interactions allow young athletes to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of those representing the region at the highest level.
“These engagements are particularly important because they allow our players to interact with youngsters, share their experiences and help inspire the next generation,” Barthley said.
He also described partnerships with organisations such as Courts/Unicomer and Coca-Cola as essential to strengthening cricket across the Caribbean.
“Cricket West Indies is not only open for business but open for collaboration,” he said, adding that the organisation continues to welcome partnerships that contribute to the game’s growth both on and off the field.
The presentation of the $500,000 cheque marked a significant investment in the continued development of the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy, with the support expected to assist in providing equipment and other resources for its young players.
The morning concluded with photo opportunities and informal interactions between the West Indies players and academy members, allowing the aspiring cricketers to create lasting memories while drawing inspiration from athletes they hope to emulate one day.
More than a ceremonial cheque presentation, the West Indian Experience demonstrated how collaboration between government, corporate Guyana and Cricket West Indies can create meaningful opportunities for young people, ensuring that the future of Caribbean cricket continues to be nurtured both on and off the pitch.
