Regional and international tournaments to be held in Essequibo – Ramson Jr

Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr met with residents of Good Hope, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), to discuss ongoing sport infrastructure developments and listen to community concerns.

The engagement, which was held at the Good Hope Community Ground in Region Two, focused on the Government’s investments in sports facilities across the region, including the construction of the first stadium in Anna Regina and the extensive upgrades to ballfields and other sport facilities from Pomeroon to Supenaam.
Minister Ramson Jr during his remarks told residents that the Anna Regina stadium, which is nearing completion, will be a game-changer for sports in Essequibo. He noted that once finished, the facility will host regional and international sporting events, allowing local athletes to compete at higher levels without the need to travel to Georgetown. Additionally, the new facility is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses.
“Now that the stadium is moving towards completion, we are already planning for regional and international tournaments to be held right here in Essequibo,” he said.

Beyond the stadium, Minister Ramson highlighted the revitalization of community ballfields across the region. Over the past four years, the Government has made major investments to upgrade playing fields, install better facilities, and improve accessibility for young athletes. These improvements, he noted, will ensure that sports development in Essequibo keeps pace with national growth.
“We have invested in over 561 grounds all across the country. But just look right here in Region Two –from Pomeroon to Supenaam, we have been upgrading ballfields, putting in lights, proper facilities, upgrade the ground, add nets among others so that young people have a place to develop their talents,” the Minister noted.
Ramson Jr also highlighted efforts to decentralise national events, referencing the first-ever Independence Day celebration in Region Two, which attracted nearly 10,000 persons. He said this was part of the Administration’s push to bring more large-scale activities to Essequibo, making the region a hub for major events.
Minister Ramson Jr also strongly emphasised the importance of using local contractors for development projects in Region Two, noting that this approach keeps money within the community. He explained that when projects are given to foreign contractors, the financial benefits often leave the country, as they bring in their own workers and materials. However, by engaging local contractors, the Government is creating job opportunities for Essequibians while also stimulating local businesses.
He pointed out that since 2020, there has been a notable increase in trucks, excavators, and other heavy machinery operating across the region—clear evidence that the investment is driving economic activity within the local economy.
“Look and see how many trucks have been bought and are moving stuff up and down the road here in Region Two. Look at how many machines – excavators and other equipment – have been purchased since 2020. Why is that happening? Because we are using local contractors, and that money is spinning around right here in our communities,” the Minister explained.
Minister Ramson Jr, in closing, reaffirmed that Essequibo was a key focus for the government’s sports agenda, ensuring that young people in the region have the facilities and opportunities needed to excel in athletics and recreation.
Also attending the meeting were Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, and officials from the Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry, along with other regional representatives.