…cites historic investment in sports and national development

In light of the recent announcement of the date for Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle has come out in support of the current administration, citing their massive investment in sport as the determining factor.
Ninvalle shared in a statement on Tuesday, “As Director of Sport, I wish to publicly endorse His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
“Over the past five years, President Ali has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national development through a holistic approach that integrates infrastructure, economic growth, and human capital investment, particularly in sports.

“From 2020 to 2025, under the stewardship of President Ali, the Government of Guyana has allocated an unprecedented $21.61 billion to sport development.
“This level of investment is historic and speaks volumes about the President’s understanding of the critical role sport plays in youth empowerment, community development, national unity, and Guyana’s global representation.
“To contextualise this investment:
• In 2020, the allocation to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport stood at $805.3 million
• By 2021, it had nearly doubled to $1.5 billion
• In 2022, the figure rose to $2.4 billion
• Followed by $4.3 billion in 2023
• $4.6 billion in 2024
• And in 2025, a remarkable $8 billion was allocated

“These resources have not remained confined to budget lines, they have translated into realistic and impactful changes.
“We have seen the construction of new stadiums, modern athletic tracks, multi-sport recreational facilities, and the rehabilitation of hundreds of community grounds across both coastal and hinterland regions. Infrastructure once thought impossible in Guyana is now a reality.
“President Ali’s leadership has proven that sport is not a luxury, it is a necessity and an essential tool for social transformation. His approach has gone beyond medals and trophies; it has been about investing in the people of Guyana. His Excellency is not just developing facilities, he is developing communities and lives.
“Young people across Guyana, are now afforded unprecedented access to opportunities in sport. For the first time, we are seeing sustainable career pathways emerging, not only for athletes, but for coaches, sport administrators, and entrepreneurs connected to the sporting ecosystem.
“President Ali has positioned Guyana not only to participate but to compete on the regional and international stages.
“Several transformative initiatives are currently underway through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, including the construction of new national and regional facilities and comprehensive athlete development programmes. Therefore, I am confident that President Ali will be allowed to complete the work he has so boldly and effectively begun.
“This is not about politics. This is about progress. It is about giving continuity to a vision that is changing lives and reshaping the future of sport and national development in Guyana.
“It is a privilege to endorse His Excellency President Irfaan Ali for a second term. His transformative leadership has been for the people.”
Guyana is set to go to the polls on September 1, 2025.