THE addition of Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, as Patron to the Matarkai Sports Council is already helping to get grounds in the Sub-Region of Region One prepared for activities. This is according to information from the Council’s new Public Relations Officer Sherlon Rodrigues. Rodrigues, who is a past Chair of the Council, told the Guyana Chronicle that part of the minister’s contribution to the council was used to buy gas and in some instances, catguts to cut the grounds. So far, Four Mile, Matthews Ridge, Arakaka, Oronoque, Citrus Grove, Canal Bank and Sebai have been targeted with Fizburg Community Centre on the radar. According to the PRO, the initiative was made through the direction of current Chair Micquel Perez.
Rodrigues noted that the Council is ecstatic to have Minister Croal as Patron.

“The importance of having the minister on board is that it gives us opportunities of being represented at the highest level.” When he was inducted in December, Minister Croal donated $200 000 to the committee. Rodrigues said that having the grounds in the sub-region cut would keep community members active and will see a quick return to sporting activities, once the COVID-19 Task Force gives the committee the greenlight. Prior to the pandemic, some 200 senior athletes played football, volleyball and cricket at the grounds, while a number of juniors also competed. “We are looking forward strongly for games to resume, with whatever requirement necessary.” Rodrigues recently took over as PRO after Anetta Blair opted out of the position. The former chair, who did not seek re-election in November of last year was serving as an assistant to Blair to help the transition of the new committee.