FORMER National Sports Council Chairman, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira last Monday evening spoke extensively on the history of several sport disciplines in Guyana, and offered valuable advice

on the way forward when he addressed a gathering of sports enthusiasts during a forum at Moray House.
Those in the audience included Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who commended the thoughts and dialogue that the event produced.

“I think he was very incisive,” Jones commented. “He provided us with a bit of nostalgia, speaking a little about what was obtained under his tenure. He challenged associations to improve on their structure, recognising that one of the things that are lacking now among the various associations and federations is the club structure. For the federations to grow stronger they must have a solid club structure which is lacking.”

Perreira, during his address, focused on sports in Guyana during pre-Independence era and how things have changed to what it is today. He also presented ideas on how Guyana can better perform and make an impact on the regional, Pan-American and World stages.
The well-known former cricket commentator pointed to Bartica as a location where more sports should be heading as the area continues to grow and develop.
“If I were a president of a national association I would be heading to Bartica to see how my sport would thrive in Bartica.”

He also spoke of the need for the associations to utilise the resources of the National Community Development Councils.
During a brief question-and-answer segment at the end of the event, Perreira begged the question as to why Guyana has the only stadium without the stands being named – which was met with resounding applause from the 30 plus in attendance.