..vows to transform sports for the benefit of all

By Rawle Toney

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr called the approach to sports in Guyana “ad hoc”, while noting that for the sector to see any growth, things will have to change so there can also be sustainable for the development of the country’s athlete.

Ramson is also hoping to use his far-reaching network to help transform the sports sector. Ransom took his Oath of Office from President Dr Irfaan Ali, and will serve as the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration.

Speaking to the media at the Author Chung Conference Centre after being sworn-in, the 36-year-old said operating sport in an ad hoc manner will do the sector more harm than good.

“Right now sport is very disorganised,” Ramson reasoned, while firmly stating that “we cannot have sport function in a way where it is operating in an ad hoc manner; at one time somebody thinks this is a good idea or one group thinks this is a good idea.”

“In order to create a sustainable sport development programme that is a sport economy as well, because sport is a business too, we need a system that is sustainable and that can only be done through organized stakeholders and people that are connected to the overall development trajectory of the country,” the Sport Minister said.

Ramson was adamant in stating that “sport is more than just hobbies and staying fit; it is far bigger than that. It is one of the largest sectors in the world and it could very well be transformational for the country as well, by being able to draw on our human capital and our talents as young people.”

Having graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, Ramson, who is an Attorney-At-Law, was asked about being in a sector that is the total opposite of his area of expertise.

In response, the avid cricket and basketball fan explained “the President recognises that over 60% of the population of Guyana is below the age of 35. For the last five years, this country has had a lack of strong youth leadership and an absence of sport leadership.”

“The President, as well as the party, also believes that all three areas require strong leadership. It requires us to get organized so that we could help to transform the country and also to unify the country, and it is a critical component of who we are as a people and part of the healing process,” Ramson reasoned.

According to Ramson, “Most of you know that I have a very strong sports background even though I was doing Oil and Gas and was speaking regularly on Oil and Gas subjects, I have always been doing sports-related issues and sports-related programmes. ”

The Minister said as far as providing the young leadership in Guyana for which there is a strong voice, both the President and the party felt that he would better serve in the area of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Meanwhile, Ramson said he has already hit the ground running and will meet with key personnel in the sector and other stakeholders.