The Guyana Cricket Board has promised extremely tight security, during the Guyana leg of the Australian tour of the West Indies.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday at the Board’s headquarters, GCB’s Mar-keting Director Conrad Plummer, who also holds responsibility for security during the Aussies tour, told reporters mandatory security checks will be made on all patrons.
“Before you come into the ground you will be subjected to security checks. No one with dangerous or potentially dangerous weapons will be allowed to enter the ground,” Plummer said adding that this was one of the many requirements of the West Indies Cricket Board. Plummer said licensed firearm owners, will not be allowed entry into the venue with their weapons.
According to Plummer, these requirements are new to Guyana.
“Security is uppermost in everyone’s mind, so I’m appealing to the public and everyone who attends the game, to conform with the requirements, it’s not to give anyone a hassle,” Plummer stated.
The Australians who arrived in Guyana last evening, will go into action on Saturday at the Everest ground against a Carib Beer XI in a three-day match.
The Carib Beer XI will be led by Sylvester Joseph who has replaced Trinidadian Darren Ganga as captain.
The Australians, who will practise on Thursday and Friday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, was met at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by their High Commissioner.
GCB’s president Chetram Singh said the Australian High Commissioner was scheduled to meet with the Guyana Police Force’s top brass to discuss security arrangements for the players while in Guyana.
“Prior to today, several requests have been made by the Australian Board about security arrangement for the team,” Singh said.
As is customary, the area around the GCC ground will be closed to vehicular traffic. That designated area is from New Garden Street to Vlissengen Road on the North and New Garden Street to Vlissengen Road on the South of the ground.
Plummer said the Merriman’s Mall opposite the ground will be restricted. “There will be no loitering and vending, not that we don’t appreciate the entrepreneurship of small vendors, but they must stay out of the sterile area. Also, only vehicles with authorised passes will be allowed in the sterile area, any other vehicle will be towed away,” Plummer pointed out.
Patrons will also not be allowed to take alcohol, cans or drinking glasses into the ground, Plummer stated. He, however, said the local beverage companies will erect booths inside the ground and will have their products on sale, but paper and plastic cups will be used.
GCB’s secretary Bish Panday made an appeal to the Guyanese public to be of good behaviour. “This will work in your favour when venues for other international tours are being chosen,” Panday stated.
Tickets for the first test match which begins on April 10 are still on sale. Tickets are available for all parts of the ground.