CPL has earned and deserves the support of all stakeholders; including Government

Dear Editor,
Although no formal study has been done on the effect of the CPL games on the economy, there is no disputing that the matches have been giving a wallop to the overall economy. And as such, there should be bidding for more matches to be played in Guyana. Aside from the Providence stadium, consideration should be given to playing one match in the ancient county of Berbice (Albion), to give a spurt to that county’s economy. Albion did, at one time, host first class cricket as well as one-day internationals.
The CPL matches have added significantly to the growth of the economy. Kudos to the organisers and promoters for the professionalism shown in the management and overall staging of the games. They are well organised, administered, and marketed as a business. In today’s sporting events, commercial interests have become paramount in the promotion and success of the games. It is noted that attention is paid to TV audience, tickets sales, web site, concession sales at the stadium, sponsorship, and various forms of media coverage, as well as promotion.
The games have indisputably delivered a wide variety of (economic and social) benefits to the country as a whole, individuals, and to communities in the Greater Georgetown and East Bank Demerara areas. The matches have helped to increase personal economic prosperity, as well as provided employment opportunities to hundreds. In particular, the matches help to increase the productivity of individuals involved in cricket and those that sell varied items and foods near the stadium, boosting communities along the way. Besides direct economic benefits like sale of tickets and foods and drinks, there are indirect activities, like shopping for appropriate clothing, and entertainment (balloons, noise makers, other party favours), cricket equipment, hotels, uniform, tee shorts, advertising, printing, etc.
Billions of dollars are added to the economy. There are jobs created, social get-togethers occur, there is media coverage, travel from abroad and local transport (car rentals, taxi service, minibus operations, etc). Media such as newspapers, television, the internet, radio, and social media are all providing access to the matches, which help to maintain interest in the games. The matches also showcase Guyana internationally on TV – hopefully creating an impression of our country that would make business people want to invest. This helps to maintain interest in their former homeland.
Besides economic benefits, the CPL matches have also contributed in the social area, such as raising aspirations of youngsters to become CPL cricketers, forcing them to increase skill levels in the sports. Youths will be encouraged to aspire to become better cricketers, so they can be chosen for matches. This will force them to seek better training so as to improve their skills. This would help many to keep out of trouble with the law. It is a form of entertainment during peoples’ time off from work. It is also noted that the matches provide opportunities for social interaction at the stadium, bringing diverse people together and helping to narrow social and ethnic differences. It promotes social cohesion.
Government should sponsor and promote these matches, for cricket is the only sport that brings the entire diverse nation together.
The Government benefits enormously, not only from social cohesion, but economically as well, through taxes and the spread effects of spending related to the CPL matches. It supports many jobs – full time and seasonal, part time. When one does the math, several billions are added to the economy, and this money is re-cycled through various economic activities. Overall, the CPL matches contribute annually perhaps 5% of GDP, if not more. CPL has earned and deserves more Government support.
Yours truly,
Dr Vishnu Bisram