In a continued partnership between Republic Bank Financial Holdings Limited (RBL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI), the two entities, along with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Government of Guyana, officially launched the third edition of the eagerly anticipated Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun Cricket’ programme at the Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday.

The programme is set to engage both male and female primary school students ages 8–12 in formal cricket coaching and the fundamentals of the game. Seventy-five (75) primary schools are scheduled to participate from Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice in this fast-paced, exciting cricket format.

Players will represent their schools in several rounds of friendly cricket matches that promote fun, speed, energy, teamwork, and uncomplicated rules. The programme not only gives children the opportunity to play the game but influences the integration of life skills and early foundation athletic development of participants.

As primary partners with CWI and RBL on this initiative, the GCB and the Ministries of Education and of Culture, Youth, and Sport have been integral in the execution and ongoing improvements of this important grassroots cricket initiative as it enters its third year.

Mr. Ronald Williams, Secretary of the GCB, expressed their pleasure to continue collaborating with CWI and Republic Bank Limited on the execution of this significant primary schools’ grassroots initiative.

"This positively impacts hundreds of children across our three counties in Guyana, who eagerly and passionately participate in this fun, fast-paced format of cricket. The programme is important as it is the foundation of the national cricket pathway in Guyana, enabling the next generation of cricket greats to foster a love for our regional pastime. The GCB utilizes this important Five for Fun programme, as an early talent identification platform, giving the opportunity to outstanding performers to progress to the next level of our national cricket pathway and representative programmes," Williams said.

Mr. Harry Dass Ghaness, Commercial Manager, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, highlighted the bank’s commitment to youth development through sports.

“This initiative is not merely a tournament; it’s a key part of our Power to Make a Difference social investment strategy, under the Power to Learn and Power to Succeed pillars. At Republic Bank, we believe in using the power of sports to positively shape young lives. This Five for Fun programme supports our belief in nurturing a generation of talented, disciplined, and socially conscious young people. We're not just supporting cricket; we're creating a movement of empowerment, growth, and hope for our nation's youth. This is an investment in the most promising resource any nation has—it’s young people," he shared.

Mr. Franklin Wilson, Deputy Director of Sport, echoed similar sentiments.

"This Republic Bank, CWI, and GCB partnership and investment model has indeed been setting a high standard and showing what can be achieved with a deliberate plan to set a solid foundation for this sport, affording primary school children not only the opportunity to learn the game but travel around the country where they are able to have new experiences and create new friendships whilst showcasing their talent," Wilson said.

“The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Sport, will continue to make the investment in developing and maintaining facilities that affords the organisers of this initiative the option of taking the programme to any part of Guyana," he added.

The format of the Five for Fun Cricket programme remains the same for the third season, with each team comprising five players competing in a two-innings (5-overs per innings) format.

After successful completion of preliminary matches within zones, qualifying primary school teams will move to individual County Play-offs and finals. The three (3) County Champions will then proceed to the Five for Fun National Finals slated for June 2025.

Last year’s round-robin National finals saw St. Theresa’s Primary (Berbice Champions), Sparta Primary (Essequibo Champions), and Lenora Primary (Demerara Champions) battle for top cricket honours. St. Theresa’s Primary emerged as champions and will defend their crown in this year’s edition.

At the conclusion of the media launch, attendees were able to interact with the students, teachers, and coaches from Redeemer Primary and St. Stephen’s Primary. The Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Programme is set to continue across the region in St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Grenada, with Trinidad & Tobago becoming the newest addition to the list of participating territories in 2025.