Guyana’s sporting future built on people, vision & long-term investment – Min Jacobs

Guyana’s sporting future is being shaped not only by new facilities but also by people, purpose, and long-term vision, according to Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, Steven Jacobs, as he outlined the Government’s strategic approach to athlete development, sports tourism, and national pride.
Speaking on the evolving role of sport in national development, Jacobs emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot produce champions, but instead, he pointed to the importance of human capital – particularly the intentional inclusion of retired national athletes in the sporting ecosystem.
“Equally important is the pathway programme for retired national athletes, creating coaches, mentors, and trainers because buildings don’t develop athletes alone; people do,” Jacobs said.
This approach, he explained, ensures that the experience, discipline, and institutional knowledge of former athletes are not lost but instead reinvested into the next generation. By transforming retired competitors into leaders and educators, Guyana is building a sustainable sporting culture rooted in continuity and excellence.
Over the past five years, the Government has made consistent investments across all sporting disciplines, from grassroots initiatives to elite competition. According to Jacobs, this commitment is not slowing down – quite the opposite.
“Over the last five years, we have seen sustained investment across all sporting disciplines, and over the next five years, that investment will grow even stronger,” the minister noted.
The impact of this investment goes well beyond the playing field. Sport has become a powerful economic driver, supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and job creation. As Guyana positions itself as a regional and international sporting destination, the connection between athletics and tourism is becoming increasingly clear.
Looking ahead to 2030, Jacobs described an ambitious but achievable national goal. “Three million visitors moving together, using our goods and services, and the key to that is sports,” he said.
At the heart of this vision, Jacobs credited the personal involvement of President Dr Irfaan Ali, describing a level of engagement with sport that he says is unprecedented.
“As a former athlete, I say this honestly. I have never seen a President so personally invested in sport,” Jacobs stated. “A President who meets associations, acknowledges performances, and knows athletes by first name. That matters.”
This hands-on leadership, he added, sends a powerful signal to athletes that their efforts are valued at the highest levels of Government. Recognition, encouragement, and access to decision-makers help foster confidence and motivation among sportsmen and women. “There has never been a better time to be an athlete in Guyana.”
As Guyana continues to invest in facilities, people, and programmes, sport is emerging as more than competition – it is a pillar of national development, unity, and international visibility. With a clear roadmap and committed leadership, the country’s athletes are not only chasing medals but also helping to shape Guyana’s future.