AS part of the government’s effort to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged in extracurricular activities, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., recently visited the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and donated one million dollars towards the outfitting of the Mon Repos pasture playground.

Although there are numerous little playgrounds in the Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance communities, the NDC Chairman, Mr. Jagroop (only name), told the Sunday Chronicle that the playground next to their NDC is the second-largest ground in the area and one that serves as one of the primary gathering places for the densely populated Mon Repos community.

“We have many small grounds in these communities, but this ground is the second-biggest ground in these communities, and we are hoping to upgrade it with our government’s help. Minister Ramson came here and saw the size of it, and he also knows our main purpose of developing this land is for our young people to have a safe place to play and socialise with each other,” Jagroop related.

Jagroop further stated that he is pleased to say that the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance NDC has employed several young councillors who are dedicated towards the enhancement of the youth and their communities. He also added that they are passionate about the youth’s participation in sports and other activities that will help them and their respective communities.

“I am happy to say that we have employed a number of young councillors who are doing a wonderful job in our communities. They are hoping to reach every young person and encourage them to occupy their time by engaging in sports and other productive activities. That is why we are so happy that this group is being developed by our government and by Minister Ramson.”

The NDC chairman also noted that the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport has made a promise to ensure that the lighting fixtures on the ground will be fixed.

“I am happy to also say that Minister Ramson has promised to make sure that the ground will be fully equipped with light fixtures so that we can even have sports being done in the nights.”

He continued, “we are very thankful for these initiatives; the government has continued to give back to the people of not only our communities on the East Coast of Demerara but to all communities throughout Guyana…”