MINISTER of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson yesterday afternoon turned the sod to officially launch the construction of the Timehri Sands Golf Course and Country Club on 71 and a half acres plot of land just off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The state-of-the art, nine-hole course which is expected to be completed in approximately two years at a cost of three million United States of America dollars, saw investors the DaSilva clan, Canadian bases Golf Architect Jason Miller, Head of the Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rosalinda Rasul and the three DaSilva children (Narisa, Kurt & Safiyah) making speeches before Minister Ramson gave the feature address.

Minister Ramson promised government’s support for what is set to become Guyana’s second Golf Club after the one at Lusignan.

“This investment will cause an economic expansion for Guyana in getting a worn-out sandpit as an excellent site for a golf course.”

The facility, when completed, could become a premier tourist attraction, since many couples get married on golf courses around the world.

“This is an unplanned result since the investment was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and showed great commitment to Guyana by the DaSilvas.

The vibrant minister told the gathering which included family members of the investors and members of the media, that several opportunities could be derived from this investment which could be expanded in an 18-hole course which will be able to accommodate international tournaments.

Minister Ramson hit the first shot while Kurt DaSilva informed the gathering that he had played cricket before leaving for College in Canada with his family, adding that he continued to play for the Kaieteur Cricket Club in Canada.

“However, when the pandemic caused a shutdown in several events, the cricketers decided to play a bit of golf and we fell in love with the sport. My parents decided to come back and open a golf club. And that’s where this idea was born,” disclosed Kurt.

Rasul said after several talks with the Canada-based family by her ministry, the DaSilvas were convinced that the diaspora projects and the system to implement them worked.

“Despte some minor setbacks, the Lands and Surveys Department granted this plot of land here to start the ball rolling for the work to commence,” explained Rasul.