The team, released at a press conference hosted by the Guyana Cricket Board at its secretariat, includes Abena Parker who is the captain, vice-captain Faye Franklin, Darlene Gayle, Deowantie Persaud and Indomatie Goordial.

They are joined by Annabel Lewis, Inga Henry, Tracey Miller, Tracy Glasgow, Natasha Gangoo, Onika Wallerson, Candacy Atkins, Stacy Williams and Michelle Fitzalbert.

The manager is Viola Rowe and coach Kenalyn Baker while the four players omitted from the 18-strong squad, which was encamped at the Cyril Potter College of Education, Turkeyen Campus, are Reneka Isaacs, Subrina Munroe, Joann Van Sertima and Nikita Toney.

Meanwhile, GCB president Chetram Singh said plans for the tournament are fully developed and the only concern would be the weather.

He said because of the rain some of the grounds to be used in the tournament are not in the best condition. Singh also revealed that a GCB team would have been inspecting the grounds after yesterday’s press conference and then decide whether they would be ready in time for the start of the competition.

The GCB head said he hoped the public would come out and support the tournament because this could be the beginning of the resurgence of women’s cricket in Guyana.

Also present yesterday were GCB vice-president Malcolm Peters, PRO Terry Holder, Lennox Canterbury of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Guyana Women’s Cricket Association president Emily Dodson, its treasurer Debbie Archer, Rowe, Baker and Parker.

Rowe and Baker both said the team was better prepared than last year - mentally and physically, and they expect better results.

Archer expressed the association’s appreciation to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation and the Ministry for support rendered.

The Ministry, through Canterbury, presented a cheque for one million dollars to assist in expenses, while the New GPC handed over a quantity of Shoo insect repellant to be used by all the teams.

This year’s tournament will attract seven teams - the hosts, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, defending champions St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who will be encamped at the Cyril Potter College of Education for the duration of the tournament.