GMR&SC launches Caribbean C/ship …Carpenter urges Committee to put on good show

Oct 22, 2011 Sports

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-Mahadeo says partnership significant and growing

By Rawle Welch
Recently elected President of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC)

John Carpenter speaking at a flashy launch to introduce the sponsors and announce the date of the final leg of the GT&T/ Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) reminded his committee that it is important for the club to put on a good show for the local and visiting fans.
The Meet which is scheduled to be staged on November 13 at the South Dakota Circuit is expected to have competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, Canada and Suriname here to challenge the defending champions Guyana on home turf.
Speaking on Thursday evening at the club Headquarters, Carpenter, who served previously in the same capacity many years ago, urged members of the new executive to work hard and diligently to ensure that visitors and locals alike enjoy a good day at the races which is anticipated to showcase the skills of the best drivers and riders in the Caribbean.
Also, in attendance at the Launch were representatives of the major sponsors including GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo, Seaboard Marine’s Peter Peroune, members of the diplomatic community, Ministers Dr. Frank Anthony and Maniram Prashad and a host of other influential figures within the corporate sector.
Carpenter, who admitted that he had taken the office with some trepidation initially, expressed delight with the support being offered to the sport presently, adding that he has watched it progress over the years into what it is now today, one of the biggest contributors to the tourism sector.
He added that with the support that is being given to the sport, the competitors will now have to make a bigger effort and seize the opportunity to retain the title before the local fans.
Carpenter then took time out to commend Ministers Prashad and Dr. Anthony for their support, while acknowledging the importance of all the sponsors whose contributions he reminded is what makes it happen.
Mahadeo in his remarks spoke of the partnership between the two entities which he referred to as significant and growing.   He stated that his Company is not only interested in doling out cash, but as a local entity, it is important for them to be involved in everything since it is one way of giving back for the support received.

Mahadeo, who has been one of the chief architects in helping to raise the level of support sports and athletes receive across the country said, in his view all the racers are role models since thousands of people watch them compete and their mindset must be to exhibit good sportsmanship so that those coming after them could emulate.
He promised the Company’s continued support, adding that they will keep on doing their best to uplift the standard of sports everywhere.
GT&T, earlier this year signed an agreement with the club that will see the disbursement of millions of dollars to enhance the surface at South Dakota and general aesthetics of the facilities thereby providing much more comfort and better viewing for fans.
In closing, he said it is his fervent wish that the partnership survives for a very long time.
Minister Prashad in his presentation paid recognition to the club’s contribution to the tourism sector over the years, stating clearly that the influx of tourists that boost his numbers is generated largely from the motor racing.
He spoke of the commitment and growth the club has enjoyed over the years and this he attributed chiefly to the assistance that is given by many of its Past Presidents, who still play an active role in the organisation’s affairs.
Prashad, who’s Ministry has been supportive in many areas, including organizing a trip to the mighty Kaieteur Falls for the visiting competitors last year is once again on board to replicate that offer.
He said that Government will continue to add its assistance to the club and referred to President Bharrat Jagdeo’s generosity when he pledged some $40million for the resurfacing of the track.
Dr. Anthony in his comments first applauded the club for all of its achievements to date, pointing to the installation of a state-of-the-art gym, a new restaurant, go-kart track and a newly refurbished club house as a significant transformation within a short space of time.
He challenged other sports associations to emulate the model the club has adopted which according to him is a winning formula and a proven blueprint on how to generate funds for expansion.
“At a time when many associations are complaining about the lack of funds to do important things, this club has exhibited qualities in its leadership that are absent in many other associations,” Dr Anthony said.
He added that as the sport expands, the projection must be to lift the standard and offered his Ministry’s assistance in doing so.
“We want to develop not only cricket and football, but all other sports as well and I’m inviting you to approach us anytime to solicit our support.”
The Minister applauded GT&T for investing a sizeable chunk of its resources in the sport.
Meanwhile, Master of Ceremony and committee member Vishok Persaud in his remarks spoke of the relationship between the club and GT&T informing that the entity is no longer seen as a sponsor, but a partner which has stood with them since 2005.
He made special mention of the 3-year contract signed between the two parties recently, disclosing that the partnership is extremely significant.  “GT&T has been a significant partner so too the Ministry of Tourism, Seaboard Marine and Ministry of Sport and I call on the competitors and more importantly the club to make this Meet a bigger and better one.”
Persaud also took the time to introduce some of the young racers who will be making their debut at the Meet and further revealed that all competitors sitting on pole will be awarded with a special plaque.
In the points standing, Guyana with 27 trails Barbados on 102 and Jamaica on 66, while in the individual category Jamaica’s David Summerbell Jnr leads with 44 points and he is followed by Barbados’ Mark Maloney on 31and Roger Mayers on 20.

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