New Futsal Ground in Tiger Bay Commissioned

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday evening officially handed over a newly constructed futsal ground in Tiger Bay, describing it as a symbol of community partnership, youth development, and national transformation.
The facility was made possible through the generous contribution of businessman Harry Mattai and his family, whom the President publicly thanked for their commitment to community upliftment and the spirit of service embodied in the “One Guyana” vision.

Addressing residents and stakeholders at the ceremony, President Ali announced a new initiative focused on community policing and security, aimed at empowering residents to take an active role in safeguarding their neighbourhood. “And then you have Monae, who is also connected to this community,” the president said. “She walked this community before with me, but she will also be working with you on a very special initiative – community policing and community security. She will be working with you to ensure that we get people from within the community itself to form a community policing group so that we can mentor, support, and redefine what Tiger Bay is and what Tiger Bay represents.”
The President emphasised a renewed identity for the community, stating, “We have tigers roaring for prosperity, tigers roaring to be better, and tigers roaring to be part of the incredible journey of transformation in this country.” Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand also addressed the gathering, noting that the project emerged from the President’s “Neighbourhood Love” initiative, which focuses on listening directly to citizens and responding to their needs.
“He was listening to his citizens in a project he called Neighbourhood Love,” Minister Manickchand said. “Because you so welcomed him into your neighbourhood, he heard you. He heard what you said you needed and, in his own presidential style, found solutions to some of your problems.”She explained that the project involved close collaboration between the Government and Mr Mattai, who made the land available for redevelopment.
“The President worked with Mr Harry Mattai on this spot over a very short period to take down a property owned by Mr Mattai and rebuild it,” she said. “Mr Mattai is lending us the space. We removed the building and put up this facility. Mr Mattai gets the park during the day for his staff and customers, and the community gets it at night. That, my friends, is the epitome of neighbourhood love.”
Speaking briefly at the event, the businessman reaffirmed his family’s commitment to national development. “It’s our pleasure to serve. This is what we call One Guyana”, Mr Mattai said. “The Mattai family will continue to serve and deliver, and to help or support – we are here for you.”
The new futsal ground is expected to provide a safe recreational space for young people in Tiger Bay while fostering community engagement, security, and pride.