NALICO/NAFICO supports under-19 cricket
June 3 2026
The upcoming Beharry Under-19 Schools’ Cricket Tournament has received a significant boost with insurance powerhouse NALICO/NAFICO committing to a sweeping coverage package designed to protect all participants and facilities involved in the competition.
The landmark arrangement was officially revealed on Tuesday at the company’s Georgetown headquarters and is being hailed as one of the most extensive insurance initiatives ever attached to a youth sporting event in Guyana.
Unlike traditional policies that focus primarily on player injuries, the NALICO/NAFICO package extends protection to approximately 1,600 cricketers, match officials, support personnel, transportation services, accommodations, and competition venues throughout the tournament.
Addressing attendees during the launch, NALICO/NAFICO Chief Executive Officer Dean Robertson explained the wide-ranging scope of the policy.
“This insurance doesn’t just cover the players; it covers the support staff, it covers the umpires,” Robertson explained. “And games, stadiums, grounds, accommodation, and transportation; so it’s not just personal accident coverage when you’re actually competing. It gives peace of mind to parents and loved ones that everything is protected.”
The comprehensive plan ensures participants remain protected throughout their journey, from travelling to matches to competing and returning home.
Set to run from June 13 to August 8, the tournament will involve 80 school teams competing across eight districts spread throughout Guyana. Organisers are currently finalising preparations despite recent weather challenges affecting several venues.
Petra Organisation Consultant Troy Peters said preparations remain firmly on track.
“We cannot wait on the weather,” said Petra Organisation Consultant Troy Peters. “Our preparations are gaining momentum and we’re going full speed ahead. Once we have favourable weather, we will kick off. We are putting all the systems in place to ensure a smooth tournament from start to end.”
The insurance initiative has been warmly welcomed by stakeholders, including title sponsors Beharry Group. Chief Marketing Officer Malissa Sylvester praised the collective efforts of the Ministry of Education, Guyana Cricket Board, media partners and the Petra Organisation in bringing the tournament to fruition.
Competition will begin with knockout matches within the eight zones. Zone champions will then advance to a second phase where they will be seeded according to Net Run Rate and divided into two groups.
Tournament coordinator Azizi Christiani noted that the format will mirror the Caribbean Premier League playoff structure, creating an exciting route to the championship.
The tournament zones are: • Zone 1 – Regions One and Two (10 teams) • Zone 2 – Regions Three and Seven (9 teams) • Zone 3 – East Bank Demerara and Upper Demerara (7 teams) • Zone 4 – South Georgetown (10 teams) • Zone 5 – North Georgetown (12 teams) • Zone 6 – East Coast Demerara (10 teams) • Zone 7 – West Berbice (6 teams) • Zone 8 – East Berbice/Corentyne (14 teams)
Photo Caption: CEO of NALICO/NAFICO, Dean Robertson (second right sitting) take a photo opportunity with students and members of the Petra Organisation.
