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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
World-class show promised as Guyana Grand Prix officially launched
Caribbean Times | June 4-17, 2026
BY LENNOX ALDRED
TIMEHRI, Guyana - In just under two months, the South Dakota ARCARS.com
Circuit at Timehri will be trans- formed into an international-stan- dard track as Guyana prepares to make its debut in the GT Challenge de las Americas. Dubbed the Guyana Grand Prix, the third leg of the se- ries is set for July 11-12. At Wednes- day evening's launch event at State House, President Irfaan Ali declared the occasion about much more than racing, emphasizing its vast econom- ic potential.
"This is not only about racing; this is about economics," President Ali said. "We're building out infrastruc- ture; hotels and sports tourism are an important part of what we're building for. This event is part of that holistic vision to situate investments from the private sector with investments from the public sector. We're spend- ing a lot of money in South Dakota, and we're not spending this money without understanding the linkage to the economic spin-off it will bring. Massive economic spin-off."
The Head of State revealed that following the initial investment, Guyana will achieve Level 3 status, with continuous planned. "Our next goal is first to continue this series here and then move towards El races," he added.
Joseph eyes Sri Lanka series as recovery journey nears finish line of next month's limited-overs series against Sri Lanka.
For Joseph, however, the camp represents far more than routine preparation. It marks the latest step in a demanding comeback journey after a lower back injury forced him out of competitive cricket during the latter stages of 2025 and sidelined him from the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Known for his aggression, pace, and relentless competitiveness, Jo- seph admitted the extended absence
(BROOKLYN, New York): After months of rehabilitation, frustration, and watching from afar, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph says he is finally closing in on the return he has spent nearly a year fighting to achieve. The 29-year-old Antiguan pacer is back in the regional setup at Cricket West Indies' high-perfor- mance white-ball camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, where preparations are intensifying ahead
Guyana should aspire to become the region's undisputed motorsport hub. "We should aspire to become the unchallenged home of motor rac- ing in the Caribbean, and why not Guyana? We already possess one of the strongest motorsport cultures in the region, passionate fans, regional tested him mentally as much as physically. "It hurts having to watch on TV and unable to help my team- mates," Joseph said. "It was a tough period having to sit down and not contribute, but I had to focus on re- habilitation, strengthening and con- ditioning to get back into peak form."
The injury interruption came at a difficult time for the fast bowler, who has long been viewed as one of the Caribbean's premier pace prospects and a central figure in the future of West Indies cricket. Yet despite the competitors, skilled mechanics, engi- neers, tuners, drivers and promoters, and most importantly, we possess something priceless: history. The South Dakota Circuit is not merely a track; it is part of Guyana's sporting heritage."
Silvia Bermudez, Marketing and Alzarri Joseph lengthy rehabilitation process, Jo- seph says the work behind the scenes has already begun to pay dividends. Since rejoining the training envi- ronment, Joseph believes his body is responding positively, with the time away helping him rebuild both phys-
Communications lead for GT Challenge de las Americas, hailed Guy- ana's inclusion as a milestone. "The inclusion of Guyana in our calendar is a milestone that reflects the growth of modern sports in the world. We are committed to bringing a world- class show and to making this event the most important held in Guyana every year," Bermudez pledged.
Locally, Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Presi- dent Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin expressed unwavering commit- ment to the sport's growth. "From racing on the sands of 63 Beach 70 years ago to international stan- dards, we are not just focused on developing our sport; our main objective is to create a tourism product that can benefit all of us. Guyana is on the stepping stone to greatness, and we at GMR&SC will be side by side at every positive action." Organizers confirmed that six Lamborghinis, one Mercedes GT3, one Renault, one McLaren, and four Porsches are among the luxury car lineup for July's event.
ically and mentally.
The fast bowler said he already feels fitter and stronger as he works toward regaining full match sharp- ness ahead of international selection. Even with an established résumé that includes becoming the young- est West Indian to take a five-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals, as well as the fastest regional player to reach 100 ODI wickets, Joseph in- sists he is still far from the finished product. "You can always improve and get better. I never think I'm at my best. There are always skills I can work on," Joseph said.
Joseph also spoke enthusiastical- ly about the emerging West Indies pace battery, which now features Continued on page 30