The launching, covered live by GBC radio, showcased the first prize - a beautiful Toyota Corona 1600 cc 4-door automatic motor car- compliments of Auto Supplies.

The key to the car was officially handed over to the president of the GCB Chetram Singh by delegate number one of the Junior Miss Guyana pageant beautiful Ann-Marie Satnarain on behalf of Auto Supplies while Sarwan shared the moment.

According to Singh the aim of the raffle is the make five million dollars which will go towards the development of local cricket such as the improvement of grounds, covers and nets for clubs, the laying of concrete pitches around the country and the purchase of gear for youth players.

Close to forty thousand dollars was made between 5-6 PM as the 10 radiant Junior Miss Guyana delegates and the national under-19 cricketers sold tickets to the public.

Tickets, which cost just one hundred dollars each, are now on sale at the GCB office at Bourda and at a number of business entities across Guyana. Tickets will soon be on sale at all first division cricket clubs around the country and at all area boards affiliated to the GCB.

The second prize is two return tickets to New York compliments of North American Airlines the third prize is two return tickets to Barbados compliments of BWIA while the fourth prize is two return tickets to a Caribbean destination, compliments of L.I.A.T.

The fifth prize is a 19” colour T.V set donated by Courts, the sixth prize is one Citizens watch compliments of King’s Jewellery and seventh prize is one Treadmill donated by the Gift Center.

There will be two preliminary draws - on the last day of August and the final day of September before the grand draw on the 31st of October and the car will be showcased at various events around the three counties of Guyana.

People’s Pawn Shop, Water Chris Hotel, Stabroek News, Goodwood Racing Service and Woodpecker Products are among the main sponsors of ticket books while representatives of most of the sponsors were on hand to hand over their gifts to the GCB.

Charles Woon-a-tai of Karate fame, and proprietor of the Shell service station explained that he was pleased to have his venue used by the GCB for the launch of the raffle since Shell has played a major role in West Indies cricket sponsoring the Shell Sandals one-day competition, the Shell Shield first class competition and now being involved in the Shell cricket academy in Grenada.

Public Relations Officer of the GCB Terry Holder disclosed that all those who contribute in a meaningful way towards the success of the raffle will be publicly acknowledged and informed that the GCB has also launched a one-hour T.V programme for every Tuesday from 21:35 hours on GTV called “What a Drive.”

The weekly live call-in programme will bring viewers up to date on what is happening with the raffle and the money gained from it in addition to what is being planned by the GCB for cricket development in Guyana.