Former national cricketer Steven Jacobs praises PPP/C for commitment to developing sports in Guyana

Former Guyanese cricketer turned politician and businessman Steven Anthony Jacobs recently reflected on his transition from sports to public service during an episode of “Starting Point”.
Born on September 13, 1988, Jacobs began his cricketing career as a teenager. A right-hand batsman and off-spin bowler, he made his first-class debut for Guyana during the 2006 Carib Beer Cup. He later served as vice-captain of the West Indies squad at the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Over the years, Jacobs represented the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, gaining recognition for his performance and leadership on the field.
In the interview, Jacobs opened up about the challenges he faced throughout his cricketing career and spoke candidly about his decision to move into business and politics.
“…look at shortcomings, I would look at shortcomings within the system. So, what you have now is legal stability. When I was playing, you had a time when you had elections that were being elections for boards, and this was mainly the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) that was being unfair.
And then the Cricket Administration Act came into play, and you saw some stability there. What you’re also seeing here now is wholesale transformation. You’re talking about community grounds here that are being developed, with lighting facilities, resurfacing, pavilions, washrooms, and so forth. That will encourage sports. Once you have the facilities and infrastructure, they encourage it.”
As he works to further sports development in Guyana, Jacobs also discusses the relationship between politics and sports.
“And I know most young people might look at politics, and, you know, it might look polarised or unattractive, but do you then just sit by and critique? Or do you get involved so that you can make sure this country develops in the way it should? And also, to help the future generation inherit a better Guyana. So that prompted my entry into politics, as I want to be a part of the solution.”
He praised the PPP/C Government for its commitment to developing sports in Guyana and encouraged young people to seize every opportunity available to them.
The Government, in its 2025 national budget, increased the allocation for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport from $4.6 billion in 2024 to $8 billion.
This significant investment aims to improve sports infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, while also providing pathways for training, certification, and talent development among athletes and coaches across the country.