HEAD-OF-STATE, Dr Irfaan Ali, says the Government of Guyana is keen on partnering with the country’s athletes who have business aspirations.
This, according to President Ali, is to help them charter a course for life after calling time in their respective sport or even during their playing career.
The President told Chronicle Sport, at a cocktail reception hosted by former West Indies captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan at his newly-established RS53 RestoBar & Lounge at Providence, it is important for athletes to think of a future beyond sports.
Dr Ali was adamant that associations and federations have an important role to play in helping to guide their athletes down the right path and helping them to have a balanced life.
“I would like to see sports personalities come together, with joint projects. The Government is willing to work with them; help them to put their plans together plans and programmes, giving them advice. That is the role of Government to help in the facilitation,” President Ali said.

The Commander-in-Chief believes that it’s “important for sports personality these days to have a focus on the future. There’s a lot of stardom that’s associated with sports today, especially in cricket; there’s the T20 cricket and you can easily be carried away. And I think you need the management of the various sports disciplines to be intact and play a leadership role, because you need counselling services and help direct the young sports personalities in directions that will see their enhancement.”
President Ali’s sentiments were echoed by Sarwan, who ventured into business long before his last outing for the West Indies in 2013.
Sarwan pointed out that there are a lot of inspirations from athletes who would have made the successful transition from sports to business, while also expressing an interest in lending a helping hand to anyone who might need some advice on how to follow in his footsteps.

According to Sarwan who made his Test debut for the West Indies against Pakistan in 2000, the establishment of his new business venture, should “give people a vision, especially sports people or people who would’ve played sports as not just the end when you’re finished playing.”
Sarwan listed the likes of Lennox Cush and Travis Dowlin as successful businessmen who would’ve enjoyed a fruitful career in the ‘Gentleman’s game’.
“I think the important thing is to plan before, even before you retire. You don’t want to wait to do something after you’re already retired. So I hope it will have an impact on the young guys coming up,” Sarwan said.

Sarwan’s RS53 RestoBar & Lounge offers a sporty feeling, blended with an ambiance of elegance, while catering for the everyday man-in-the-street.
President Ali lauded the 40-year-old former West Indies star batsman for his bold step in investing in the direction of the country’s economy.
Sarwan explained that he was buoyed by the projection of Guyana as a global player in the oil industry, while also wanting to create something of interest that could benefit all on the East Bank Demerara corridor.
He added that in a couple of weeks, his Amazonia Mall should be opening its doors, which will bring more life to the already buzzing area, which also houses a Massy Supermarket, a state-of-the-art gym and New Thriving Restaurant.