President Ali pledges $10M to help build Guyana Karate College

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali has said the Government of Guyana would contribute a further $10M to support the development of karate in Guyana through the construction of the Guyana Karate College.

The Head of State made this announcement while delivering the feature address at the Guyana Karate College’s Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held at the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday night.
The President has said that $5M of the pledged funds would be made available this year, and the other $5M in 2023. He emphasised that the Government is committed to the development of karate in Guyana.
“One can describe karate as a tradition, but a tradition that spans many generations; a tradition that goes beyond culture and boundaries; a tradition that opens up the mindsets and thinking of people,” he said. He praised the “art” for developing discipline, focus, commitment and other positive attitudes in people, especially in children from a young age.
“Karate is not teaching someone to fight, it’s an art of self-defence,” he relayed.
The Government, President Ali added, is focusing heavily on the development of youth, sport, and culture. He reminded that his Administration has been working to resuscitate and rehabilitate grounds and sports venues, while building new sports facilities across the country. This, he said, is aimed at providing the necessary infrastructure to help all athletes in the country perform at their best.
Meanwhile, the President has been made an honorary 8th Dan by the Karate College.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson, was also present at the event.