After discussions with a track specialist from Trinidad and Tobago, it was disclosed that the advice given to the local the administration is ‘focus on two synthetic tracks for 2017 rather than the five’ as proposed by Minister with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry.
Minister Henry, during her budget presentation for the 2017 year revealed a massive $538 million budget for sports and a sum of $210 Million for the
construction of five synthetic tracks across the country.
The Minister recalled that the development of sports in Guyana remains high on the government’s agenda and the synthetic tracks will be laid in Regions 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10.
However, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones pointed out that while the Administration is committed to sport it may not be as feasible to focus on five tracks presently.
“In terms of the synthetic tracks we would have met with the consultant from Trinidad to get guidance from them in terms of how feasible it is to have all five tracks down at one time based on his guidance, I mean these are the experts in these fields that it is wise if we focus on two for 2017, do the preparation work and as we move into 2018, 2019 to complete those,” Jones stated.
Additionally, under the ground enhancement programme, $10M is allocated for the improvement of sporting infrastructure and sport facilities including the installation of internet where events will be streamed via the world wide web.
The government will work assiduously to prepare athletes, to not only participate in the 2020 Olympics, but given the requisite support and tools to compete, Minister Henry explained.
“Budget 2017 makes provision for support to our athletes, to benefit from training and development exposure,” Minister Henry stated.
Guyana’s lone synthetic track is at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara which many deem as being underutilized.
