National Sports Policy to take structural approach

In response to calls made last week to have draft of the National Sport Policy speeded up or officially in place soon, Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Sport, Dr. George Norton, has assured that although it may seem like the process is stalled, work is being done on a continuous basis.
“We are always working, we have a time frame and we are up to date,” The minister said in an invited comment.

Norton explained that the process, though lengthy and tedious, will be beneficial once the policy is completed. He explained that the Ministry is looking to create a policy with a structured process.
“We want to have a structured system, so that we can avoid claims like what were made,” Norton explained as he made reference to claims that the Ministry has not been doing enough for athletes who have medaled overseas.
He noted that the implementation process would take on an inclusive approach, which would allow the policy to cater precisely to the needs of every sporting entity, sportsman and sportswoman in Guyana.
“I am involving the various stakeholders, which would (mean) the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, the Amateur Athletic Association; and we’re hoping that we can get other sporting bodies,” he disclosed.
The Ministry is so far yet to engage some of the smaller bodies, but Dr. Norton has assured that his team is intent on doing so, even though it would prolong the implementation process even further.
“The policy will be well-thought-out and structured, where all Guyanese sportsmen and women will be compensated adequately and fairly,” Minister Norton assured.