The anticipation is building in Georgetown as Guyana’s national women’s basketball team gears up for the much-awaited Georgetown Women’s Classic against their Surinamese rivals. With the tournament set for August 10 and 11 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the energy around the squad is palpable—not least because of a powerful show of support from the country’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
On August 9, 2025, just a day before tip-off, Dr. Jagdeo met with the team at Freedom House, pledging his full backing for the players as they prepare to represent Guyana on home soil. This gesture was more than ceremonial. It was a heartfelt commitment to not only the immediate prospects of the team but also to a broader vision: encouraging more women and girls across Guyana to take up sports, particularly basketball.
"It’s always encouraging to see strong support for women’s basketball. It sends a message to the players and to the country that the sport matters," Guyana Basketball Federation President Michael Singh remarked, clearly buoyed by the Vice President’s involvement. Singh’s words echo the sentiments of many within the local basketball community, who have long advocated for increased resources and recognition for the women’s game.
Vice President Jagdeo, a former track and field athlete and cricketer himself, brought a personal touch to his meeting with the team. He reminisced about his own sporting days and spoke warmly of his connection to the Ramlall family. “I grew up and played sports with their father, Sunil Ramlall,” he shared, referencing the three Ramlall sisters—Ashna, Arshia, and Amisha—who are making their national team debut in this very tournament. For the sisters, the occasion is doubly special: not only are they donning national colors for the first time, but they’re doing so with the support of a leader who knows their family well.
The Ramlall sisters’ inclusion in the squad has sparked excitement among fans and teammates alike. Their journey to the national team is a testament to dedication and family tradition, and their debut at the Georgetown Women’s Classic is set to be a highlight of the weekend. The sisters join a roster that blends homegrown talent with international experience, a combination that could prove pivotal in the face-off against Suriname.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline heading into the Classic is the presence of Europe-based professional Joy Adams. Adams, who has previously represented Guyana in the FIBA 3×3 format, will captain the team and make her first appearance in the traditional five-on-five game for the national side. Her leadership and experience on European courts are expected to provide a steadying influence and a competitive edge. There’s a buzz around how Adams will adapt to this new role and format, but if her past performances are anything to go by, she’s likely to rise to the occasion.
The full Guyana Women’s National Team roster reads as follows: Joy Adams (Captain), Amisha Ramlall, Ashna Ramlall, Arshia Ramlall, Jamaicy Ogle, Junelly Paddy, Keisha Copperfield, Kassidy Woolford, Malia Samuels, Akeelah Campbell, Brean Ritchie, and Keane Andrews. It’s a lineup that blends youth and experience, and one that embodies the spirit of a program on the rise.
Jagdeo’s meeting with the team wasn’t just about words of encouragement. According to those present, he emphasized the importance of providing real opportunities for women athletes to showcase their talent on the national stage. "We want to see more women stepping onto the court, more girls picking up a basketball, and more families supporting their daughters in sport," he said. The Vice President’s pledge resonates at a time when women’s sports globally are gaining momentum—and when local athletes are eager for a spotlight of their own.
Guyana Basketball Federation President Michael Singh, reflecting on the Vice President’s visit, noted, “It’s not just about this tournament. It’s about building a future where women’s basketball is as celebrated and supported as any other sport in Guyana.” Singh’s optimism is shared by the players, many of whom see this weekend’s Classic as a launching pad for bigger ambitions, both individually and collectively.
For the Ramlall sisters, the journey to the national team has been a family affair. Their father, Sunil Ramlall, was a local sportsman and remains a fixture at community games. With Ashna, Arshia, and Amisha all making their debut together, there’s a sense of history in the making. “It means everything to us to play together, in front of our family and friends, and to have the support of leaders like Vice President Jagdeo,” Ashna said. The sisters’ story is already inspiring younger players in their hometown and beyond.
But it’s not just about individual stories. The Georgetown Women’s Classic is shaping up to be a showcase for the collective progress of women’s basketball in Guyana. The tournament against Suriname is more than a friendly rivalry; it’s a chance to measure the growth of the program and to set the tone for future competitions. With Adams at the helm and a dynamic supporting cast, the team is eager to make a statement—win or lose.
Vice President Jagdeo’s involvement is also being seen as a potential turning point for the sport. His dual role as Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gives him a unique platform to advocate for women’s sports. Stakeholders hope that his pledge of support translates into tangible resources: better facilities, more youth programs, and sustained investment in coaching and development.
As the countdown to tip-off continues, excitement is building not just in Georgetown but across the country. Fans are eager to see how the new-look squad will fare against Suriname, and whether the Ramlall sisters’ home debut and Adams’ leadership can spark a memorable run. With the action set for August 10 and 11 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, there’s every reason to believe that this tournament could mark a new era for women’s basketball in Guyana.
Whatever the outcome on the scoreboard, the message from the country’s leadership is clear: women’s basketball matters, and the future is bright. As the players lace up and prepare for the opening whistle, they do so with the knowledge that they’re part of something bigger—a movement that’s gaining momentum, one game at a time.
With the Georgetown Women’s Classic about to tip off, all eyes are on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The Guyana women’s basketball team, buoyed by national support and a renewed sense of purpose, is ready to write the next chapter in their sporting story. The stage is set, the fans are waiting, and the journey is just beginning.
