National Sport Policy complete, awaiting Cabinet’s approval for publication – Ramson

– confirms Cultural Policy a work in progress

The long-anticipated National Sport Policy is complete and is now awaiting Cabinet approval before it can be officially published, according to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
Speaking on the Ministry’s legislative agenda, Ramson explained that while both the sport and cultural policies were finalised in 2025, a decision was taken to delay publication due to the proximity of the elections.
“In 2025 the Ministry completed both the cultural policy as well as the sports policy. The decision not to have them published was based on the fact that we were leading up to the elections, and the Cabinet felt it should come thereafter,” the Minister stated.
With the new year underway, the Ministry is now preparing to move forward with the official release of the National Sport Policy. According to Ramson, the document is fully prepared and only requires final Cabinet vetting and approval before publication.
“What we are ready to publish right now in the year 2026 is the sport policy. So that is ready for publication on Cabinet’s approval. So, it has to be vetted, but we are ready for that to be published,” he said.
The Minister noted that there is no additional substantive work remaining on the sport policy beyond completing public consultations. Once that process concludes and Cabinet grants approval, the policy will be formally released.
The Cultural Policy, however, will require further development this year. Although work began previously, the Minister indicated that additional input from stakeholders and the public will shape the final framework.
“What is going to be worked on is what the honourable member has asked; it’s the Cultural Policy,” Ramson explained. “There will be work to be done on the cultural policy this year.”
He emphasised that recommendations gathered from public consultations will form the foundation of the updated cultural framework, ensuring that the document reflects the views and priorities of citizens and industry stakeholders.
The development of both policies forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s “orange ”economy” – the creative and cultural industries that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and national identity.
Once approved, the National Sport Policy is expected to provide strategic direction for infrastructure development, athlete support, governance standards, and youth engagement in sport. Meanwhile, the forthcoming Cultural Policy will aim to expand opportunities within the creative sector and further formalise support systems for artists and cultural practitioners.
With the sport policy now poised for release, attention is expected to shift toward completing consultations and finalising the cultural framework in the months ahead.