Kevan James Reflects on Guyana Visit for Global Super League, Citing Its Role in His Affection for the Caribbean

BBC Radio Solent recently provided coverage of the Hampshire Hawks during the inaugural Global Super League, which took place in Guyana. The Hawks’ performance was not as anticipated, as they concluded the tournament at the bottom of the table, securing only a single victory against the Rangpur Riders, who ultimately won the competition. Kevan James, a former all-rounder for Hampshire, currently serves as a cricket commentator for BBC Radio Solent. He recounted various experiences from his time in South America while reporting on the tournament, which featured a total prize fund estimated at $1m. Guyana is not typically considered a primary destination for cricket. With matches usually commencing at 19:00 local time [23:00 GMT], there was a considerable wait at the hotel for the media bus to transport attendees to the venue. The commute to Providence, located approximately five miles distant, could extend up to 45 minutes. Georgetown experiences constant traffic congestion. During the initial days, a significant portion of that waiting period was utilized to familiarize myself with the participating teams in the tournament. A large number of players across the five international club sides were unfamiliar, with the exception of the Hampshire team, whose members I know thoroughly. My perception prior to arriving in Guyana was largely shaped by a visit almost 45 years earlier. At that time, I was a member of an England Under-19 team that toured the entire Caribbean region, making a stop in Guyana to play a three-day match. I recall that we were accommodated with families from the high commission, as staying in a hotel was considered somewhat unsafe at that period. I also remember instructions to avoid going out unless essential, and then only in pairs, with strict prohibitions against nighttime excursions. However, Georgetown is undergoing rapid transformation due to the discovery of offshore oil a few years prior. By next year, Guyana is projected to be the world’s leading per capita oil producer. While in Guyana, James engaged in conversation with the nation’s president, Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Construction activity is visible on every block, encompassing new residences, home expansions, emerging industries, new warehouses, and road developments. I conversed with Alan Davis, the sole Hampshire supporter who had undertaken the extensive journey, and he recounted his walk to the main market, through the botanical gardens, and past the diminutive zoo. Consequently, during a day off from cricket, I met him at his hotel. Our walk took us through the main market, along the main street where the Christmas market was being set up, and ultimately to an area known as the sea wall. That afternoon, I also visited a cricket ground, even on my day off, though it holds particular significance for me. From the moment I learned I would be covering the inaugural Global Super League for BBC Radio Solent, I had intended to revisit the Bourda Oval. This ground previously served as the home for Guyana’s national team and was a regular venue for Test matches and one-day internationals played by the West Indies. The Providence stadium superseded it as the primary venue during the 2007-08 season. Bourda was the very ground where I played for England Under-19s many years ago. The taxi stopped at the entrance. I exited the vehicle and proceeded inside, past the pavilion, and onto the pitch. Frankly, my recollection of the venue was limited, primarily recalling a large green and white painted pavilion situated on one side. While the pavilion remained, other sections of the ground had seen stands either dismantled or appeared to be in a state of disrepair. During the three-day match in January 1980, my performance was unremarkable, yielding a couple of wickets and 15 runs in our sole innings. I distinctly recall the wicket being favorable for batters, who accumulated over 600 runs for a minimal loss of wickets. I ascended the pavilion stairs and entered the away changing room, which appeared to have remained unaltered for several decades. I must have changed in that room, but I have no specific recollection. Fortunately, the ground remains operational and serves as the home venue for the Georgetown club. Cricket has consistently played a significant role in my life; currently, I traverse England to commentate on Hampshire matches. This evokes memories of my own time playing for the county more than three decades prior. Standing at the center of the Bourda Oval and surveying the surroundings transported me further back in time to my teenage years, when I represented my country on a memorable journey. That particular tour initiated my enduring affection for the Caribbean region.