– and government’s commitment to investing in youth and sport infrastructure
I WAS very pleased as I watched the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, take to the assembly floor last Friday, stating in his presentation, that the PPP/C government’s 2012 budget, does include the Administration’s commitment to continue to invest in Guyana’s youth and sport infrastructure. The minister alluded to the fact that, in the budget, the Finance Minister revealed the sum of $675M and being earmarked for continued infrastructure, and does include the completion of the synthetic track, located at Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara and the Bartica Community Centre.

The ministry will also be upgrading the National Gymnasium, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana National Stadium and the Colgrain Swimming Pool. Another $160M  will be allocated to upgrade sports grounds around the country.
But there’s more.

The Aquatic Swimming Pool will be upgraded also, with the construction of a $25M warm-up pool, which places Guyana in a better position to host international meets, and that in itself, will bring hard-cash foreign reserves

One of Dr. Anthony’s right hand lieutenants, Neil Kumar, during his presentation Monday in parliament, also pinpointed government’s commitment, adding that spending on sports, must be fully supported.

An established $100M, Annual Sports Fund, will allow  the PPP/C government to provide needed support for our teams heading out to compete on the international stage.

Of the $100M set aside, $7.5M will be used to purchase sporting equipment, build five boxing rings, and continue what President Ramotar wants to see – the integration of more women, more athletes from the hinterland areas, and the disabled, in becoming more involved in sports.

Dr. Anthony also alluded to the fact that  President Ramotar is very interested in  investing  a velodrome, to enable our local cyclists to excel; and become better trained and prepared, for international meets.

After mentioning all this, he enlightened all Members of Parliament of the added interest government is paying, by acquiring three world-class coaches, from Cuba and Japan, to strengthen, and help pave the way for Guyana’s hope of bringing home gold and bronze medals, wherever her athletes and sport personalities  may compete, in the near future.