AFTER the National Budget was read in Parliament by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and no allocation was made for Sports, outside of $211.656M to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Government came under fire since some believe that the sector should have been catered for by the Ministry of Education under which it now falls. However, Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport, said that the David Granger-led administration will be taking a “fresh approach” to sports, with more emphasis being place on having greater participation at the school level.
The minister at the time was addressing the National Assembly during the Budget debate where she added, “I would like to emphasise that the Ministry of Education will remain committed to exercising sound judgment and adopting best practices, in its mandate to move this country forward in sport development.
“A fresh approach will include greater emphasis being placed on sports in schools, and there will be the re-establishment of the national schools’ tournament. Guyanese will become more sport-oriented, gaining improved access to sport facilities and opportunities.” said Henry.
The ministry, according to Minister Henry, will be reviewing the National Sport Policy, with an aim of including sports in national development planning, and taking into account the importance of sports in the health and education sectors.
The policy, she told the National Assembly, will ensure that all Guyanese have equal opportunities to participate through interactive programmes, whilst exploiting new economic frontiers that promote and foster physical well-being, talents, abilities and social cohesion, in order to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Sports bring individuals and communities together, highlighting commonalities and bridging cultural or ethnic divides. It provides a forum to learn skills such as discipline, confidence and leadership, and teaches core principles such as tolerance, cooperation and respect,” she said.
Among the direct points stated include the supporting of schools, partnering with other institutions and the building of sustainable club and community development through sport camps and community ground enhancement projects.
“This APNU+AFC Government will ensure that community sport facilities will be enhanced through the Community Enhancement Project, and will facilitate the development of clubs and associations, by providing, technical and financial support.” Minister Henry said during her budget presentation.
The lifting of the profile of sport and physical activities in Guyana, developing coaches and volunteers and supporting recreational centres and grounds to become development- and community-focused are among some of the other points outlined.

 
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