GRFU looking forward to working with Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

– aims to have own rugby field

By Timothy Jaikarran

A change in government in any country would mean that whoever minister is placed in charge of a ministry would have a plethora of ideas with endless possibilities.

Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) president, Ryan Dey, is optimistic of a great collaboration developing between the GRFU and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, to the extent of a partnership being formed under the leadership of Sports Minister Hon. Charles Ramson Jr to take rugby to the next level in Guyana.
The COVID-19 pandemic which has caused cessation of all sporting activities in Guyana has influenced a similar fate for the full-contact sport of rugby. With the Public Health Ministry advising everyone to maintain a social distance of six feet away, the GRFU boss is asking everyone to take the necessary precautions until it is safe to make the sort of social contact that obtains in rugby.
As he spoke with Guyana Times Sport, Dey answered a series of questions, and concluded by urging everyone to remain safe.
Q: With a new Sports Ministry in place, what’s your expectation?
A: First of all, let me take this time to congratulate Dr. Ali on being elected Executive President of Guyana. Hats off to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport as well. As for my expectation, it has long been known that Mr. Ramson Jr has been one with a vested interest in sport and youth, and I think he would do great things in his tenure at this post, to not only boost the sporting community nationally, but worldwide, making Guyana a household name is the various sporting disciplines.

Q: What does the GRFU hope to attain in terms of moving forward with the new Ministry?
A: Well, our main aim in the GRFU is to get another rugby ground (that we can control). Since the dawn of time, we have been in the National Park, and we think it’s time our beautiful sport has a place we can call our own. As it is, many of our athletes are doing their personal fitness. We also have some who have formed groups and workout together.
Q: What plans are you guys hoping to implement going forward?
A: As it relates to plans, we are in talks to get the non-contact form of rugby, ‘tag rugby’, (up and running) as soon as the COVID-19 Task Force says it’s okay to do so. Tag rugby is a great way to get non-rugby players involved in the sport. So far, we are still trying to find ways to achieve our goal of decentralising rugby to make it a countrywide sport.
Q: What message do you want to leave with rugby fans who are awaiting the restart?
A: Well, it’s the same message from the Ministry of Public Health: Wear your face mask when you have to go outside of your home; keep washing your hands; if you have symptoms resembling COVID-19, contact the hotline and get tested.

We all have a part to play in eradication of this virus, and we have to come together to combat it. that’s the only way forward.