(Letter to the Sport Editor)

 IT is certainly great news following the passing of the Budget of Government’s commitment towards the development of sports particularly in the rural regions.

This is a massive turnaround especially for the people of Region 2 and, as a sports advocate and coach, I am extremely delighted that a modern multi-purpose facility will be built in Essequibo.

It is far too long that the Region has suffered from the lack of requisite facilities and as a result our athletes were deprived from unleashing their true potential. There was always the collective cry for the dawn of real opportunities, though it appeared to have been done in the wilderness; therefore, our budding sportsmen must now feel that the time has come for their victory.

I envisage that this investment will bear enormous benefits not only for our athletes but also in the promotion of sports and cultural tourism. In this regard, I am suggesting that the Anna Regina Community Centre ground be transformed into such a facility given its size and location; as well as being situated in the Township.

The Essequibo Cricket Board’s Hostel is stationed just next to the ground and therefore will appreciably complement the cricketers’ use of the facility once this is conceptualised.

Sports must now take a quantum leap in Region 2 with the right administrators and technical staff pursuing a common vision. At present, sports is dormant due to underdeveloped grounds, defunct clubs, committees, associations and even boards, lack of leadership, few qualified coaches within the various disciplines and sports officers that were previously employed by the ministry that sought to promote collaboration between the Region and the clubs.

The Region also suffered badly from being duly represented at the national level; hence there would have been the thought of being discriminated. Given that there was undisputable evidence of stellar performances by our athletes, yet they had to settle for disappointment.

I am convinced as a former cricketer that Dinesh Joseph was one of the finest opening batsmen in the country during his time, yet he was never considered even after being among an elite few to have scored an inter-county century.

And what about Clain Williams who was denied selection after being among the leading run-scorers at the Under-19 cricket trials yet he was not even considered for the reserve team that participated in the regional tournament at that time.

Williams, now a United States of America citizen went on to represent that country at the senior level. These are only some of the inequities that have stifled our growth and development.

The appointment of the Hon. Charles Ramson Jr as Minister of Sport, given his passion, devotion, youth and practical experience, I believe will enhance the Region’s drive for inclusivity, equitable distribution of resources, including our athletes being exposed internationally and given an opportunity to secure scholarships.

I therefore appeal to the people of Region 2 to embrace the exciting changes and support the policy mechanisms which seek to positively impact and change the lives of our sportsmen as well as the image and prosperity of the Region.

Elroy Stephney