- Over 100 primary schools set to participate in expanded 2026 edition
Republic Bank Financial Holdings Limited (RBL), in partnership with Cricket West Indies (CWI), the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Government of Guyana, officially launched the fourth edition of the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun Cricket’ programme on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Held at the picturesque Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown, the well-attended launch set the tone for what promises to be the programme’s biggest and most inclusive season yet.
A lively ‘Five for Fun’ skills demonstration by students of Winfer Gardens Primary, Stella Maris Primary and Redeemer Primary, was one of the main attractions of the launch, which was also attended by distinguished attendees including former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, as well as current West Indies women’s players Mandy Mangru and Cherry-Ann Fraser.
After reaching 75 schools across Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice in its first three years, the initiative has expanded significantly in 2026, with over 100 primary schools now set to participate.
Notably, schools from Administrative Regions One and Nine will be included for the first time in a pilot phase, as announced by National Coordinator and former West Indies fast bowler, Reon King.
“The Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Programme is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 11. The fast-paced format introduces young players to structured cricket coaching while emphasizing the fundamentals of the game in an engaging and accessible way.”
“The programme will progress across four phases; schools training period, zonal playoffs in June, county playoffs in September and national festival finals slated for October,”
King explained.
More than just cricket, the programme promotes teamwork, confidence, discipline and resilience through a series of fun, high-energy matches played under simplified rules. It also plays a vital role in fostering early athletic development and life skills among participants.
President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, underscored the programme’s broader impact saying,
“Together, we are working to strengthen, and in some cases, reintroduce cricket at the primary school level where passion is first ignited, dreams begin and character is shaped. We recognize that the investment in this programme goes far beyond the boundary ropes.”
“It is not simply about competition. It is about inclusion, opportunity and development. It ensures that both boys and girls are given equal access to learn, play and grow within the game. More importantly, it allows them to cultivate a love for cricket, while developing essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the field.”
Singh who is also a Director of Cricket West Indies further stated that:
“At its core, the Republic Bank “Five for Fun” Cricket Programme is about holistic development. It creates a space where children can explore, express themselves, and build critical qualities such as leadership, patience, teamwork, resilience, confidence, discipline, and responsibility.”
“These are not just sporting attributes, they are life attributes. Cricket, as we know, is far more than a game. It is a powerful vehicle for positive behavioural change. This programme provides structure, purpose and guidance and offers a meaningful alternative to negative influences such as antisocial behaviour, unhealthy lifestyles, and excessive screen time, replacing them with teamwork, discipline and aspiration.”
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, representing the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, highlighted the programme’s national alignment.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun Programme aligns seamlessly with President Irfan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ initiative. The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture is proud to support the programme’s expansion into pilot zones in Regions 1 and 9, providing both boys and girls at the primary school level with the opportunity to participate in a structured and inclusive cricket development pathway.”
Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Saddam Hussain, also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment.
“The Ministry of Education, through its Allied Arts Unit, is proud to continue its support of the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ programme and is delighted by its expansion to include over 100 schools. The Ministry recognizes the programme’s vital role in contributing to the holistic development of our students, providing them with the opportunity to benefit from all that sport has to offer.”
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Human Resources Manager of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Jannis London, emphasized the organization’s continued investment in youth development through sport.
“Today marks another chapter in the Republic Bank Five for Fun Youth Cricket Progrmme, one that continues to grow, evolve and create real opportunities for young people across Guyana.”
“This programme, which is part of our Power to Make a Difference social investment initiative, is not only about cricket , but about keeping our children engaged, active and focused. It’s about exposing them to values like teamwork, discipline, confidence and even the possibility of pursuing cricket at a professional level.”
Guyana’s launch marks the first of five territories for the 2026 season. St. Kitts and Nevis will follow on May 7, with Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia launching on May 13 and May 20 respectively. Barbados, the newest territory, will host its inaugural launch on May 28.
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