$100M for sports grounds in Region Two – VP Jagdeo

In a significant move aimed at enhancing sporting infrastructure, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced the allocation of $100 million for the development of sports grounds across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). This announcement was made during an engaging session with youths at Cotton Field Secondary School on Wednesday.
The funds will be used to upgrade a total of 61 sports grounds, with 32 on the coast and 29 in the Pomeroon area. Each community in the region would benefit from this allocation, with inspections starting next week to set up the necessary groups and clubs to manage the new facilities.

Addressing youths, Dr. Jagdeo emphasized the importance of sports in community development when he said, “Every community will benefit from this allocation. From next week, inspections will be conducted to establish the groups and clubs required to manage the new sports facilities and gear.”
Meanwhile, a youth from Wakapao highlighted the involvement of over 40 youths in various sporting disciplines, and expressed need for better sports infrastructure, including pavilions on three existing grounds, which would benefit over 2,000 persons. The youth further noted the community’s active participation in sports, with over 500 people engaging in sports activities during evenings and at weekends.
In response, Dr. Jagdeo underscored Government’s vision for Guyana, revealing that young people are at the heart of this vision when he
expressed, “Our poverty reduction and competitive strategies, along with our low carbon strategies, outline where we are heading. This is not only important for the business community, but also for our young people. We remain steadfast in our sustainable strategies.”

The Vice-President further urged youths to prioritise education as he emphasised Government’s commitment to making education accessible.
“Eighteen billion dollars of student fees will be written off, making the University of Guyana free from next year. We expect everyone to resume or continue their studies,” he said, as he highlighted various initiatives taken to support youth education and training.
“We have programmes like GROW, which offers remedial education; and BIT and WINN, which have 50,000 people studying outside the traditional school system. We aim to engage young people and provide opportunities tailored to their needs,” he explained.
The Vice President has also encouraged youths to participate in the People’s Youth Organization (PYO) and other community initiatives. He added that the party believes in young people, and as such, expect youths interested in the political route to join the PYO.
“It’s important to be well-rounded, not only academically, but also in management and nation-building,” he said.
Also in attendance at the meeting with youths were Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; and Mayor of the Township of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan, among other Regional Executives.