Guyana’s sports associations have continued to voice their admiration and gratitude for the whopping $4.3B Sport budget that was announced on Monday by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in his presentation to the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC).
Since that Monday announcement, several sports associations have come out in praise of the budget, which focuses on development of infrastructure and athletes.
Below are the sentiments of several other appreciative Associations:
Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)
“Funding of historic National Cricket Academy highlights commitment of Government”
The Guyana Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development and promotion of sports in Guyana with the historic 2023 budget allocation of 4.3 billion dollars for the overall development of national sports.
This unprecedented and substantial allocation is indicative of Government’s comprehension of the benefits of sports to society, and its intention to catapult sports to higher levels and professional standards.
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh had this to say: “The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) embraces this outstanding initiative by Government, which in our opinion seeks to build on the successes gained by the various sports disciplines, and to effectively address and correct the gaps in the system that may otherwise hamper sports development”.
President Singh also said, “The GCB Executives, on being elected to office in March 2021, saw it necessary to utilise the template for development established by Government through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (Ministry of CYS). In this regard, we, at the GCB, have continuously explored effective ways in which a stronger collaboration can be achieved between the GCB and the Ministry of CYS. This dispensation resulted in the establishment of the National Cricket Academy Program, which will witness eighteen (18) GCB Academies across the three (3) counties of Guyana feeding talented young players into the County Academies, and thereafter into the National Academy”.
President Singh declared that the GCB is particularly pleased with this significant budget allocation for sports, and more specifically for the National Cricket Academy. It is apposite to note that this is the first time ever that a National Cricket Academy has featured in the annual budget considerations. In this regard, the GCB commends Minister Charles Ramson for his presentation of the budget, which highlighted the essential need for the National Cricket Academy. The Academy Program is projected to develop rounded players in relation to fitness, technical development, mental toughness, diet, nutritional guidelines, lifestyle, and mentorship exercises.
“The GCB is pleased to note that its programme for cricket development is aligned with that of Government, and will soon yield the desired result of producing talented and professional players.
To produce high-quality players on a sustainable basis, the GCB’s programs from the youth stage to the senior stage will consist of activities designed for cricket development and performance assessment. Players will be given the opportunity to learn the game in a systematic manner that fosters both individual and team growth”.
Further, President Singh stated that the development of cricket facilities for the hosting of the National Cricket Academy at the Guyana National Stadium also deserves commendation, since the players’ development is related to the opportunities and facilities of international standards available.
The GCB is also pleased to note that there is a budget allocation for the restoration and development of community centre grounds, which will contribute significantly to the development of cricket within communities.
The GCB President lauded His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for leading the way in these development initiatives. His hands-on leadership has seen progressive results in sports since his ascension to the highest office in Guyana, including the securing of the CPL finals for three (3) years: 2022 to 2024, and the introduction of Cricket Carnival in Guyana held during the CPL Guyana leg 2022.
Additionally, President Singh stated, “It is clear to the GCB that His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali fully understands the needs, requirements and dynamics involved in the administration of sports. This comprehension allows him to project development initiatives that cater to an all-inclusive participation in sports, and particularly activities for the disabled, which was noted in 2022.
The GCB President restated his fervent hope for a continuation of the excellent relationship between the GCB and the Government of Guyana in general and His Excellency in particular.”
Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA)
The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) commends the 2023 National Budget presented by the distinguished Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, which includes the largest ever allocation for the sports sector.
GASA also wishes to express appreciation to the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for their contributions towards this effort. The 2023 budget allocation emphasises the commitment for development of sports and culture expressed by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and by extension the Government of Guyana.
The budget, the largest ever allocated to NSC, paves the way for the Government’s continued development and transformation of sports and culture. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission continue to be two of GASA’s strongest supporters while the organisation seeks to improve the development of swimming locally.
With the 2023 substantial budget allotment, GASA is confident efforts would be further enhanced. Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Charles Ramson Jr, and his team, which includes the Director of Sports, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, GASA is of the firm belief the allocation will create long-term development and sustainability for sports and culture in our nation.
Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF)
Over the past three (3) years the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) has benefited significantly from the office of the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr., the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and the Office of the Director of Sports.
With direct financial assistance over the said years the GBBFF has been able to successfully host its annual Seniors Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship and also attend the annual Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship.
With the expected allocation for sports, as stated in the National Budget that was presented on Monday the 16th day of January, 2023, and the anticipated direct injection of resources into the continued development of sports in Guyana, athletes, coaches, the general sports fraternity and every single Guyanese should be pleased with the developmental direction that Minister Charles Ramson Jr. and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport is taking sports.
Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF)
