PRESIDENT of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes says the body is thankful for the support of the Ministry of culture, Youth and Sport in making a suitable space available to lay a piece of artificial surface at Orealla Avenue ground in South Ruimveldt Gardens.
Fernandes says while it’s not a full-sized surface, it will boost what they are able to do in preparation for overseas engagements.
“This is not a full field but it’s a small space on which especially young players can train on and even older players in a miniature version of the game and this is a very welcomed development. Currently there is only one of its kind in the country and with a second, it means its doubles the opportunity that we have to develop the sport of hockey and increase our numbers,” the GHB boss said.

Fernades says the placement in South Ruimveldt is ideal as it’s been the home of plenty of the country’s top hockey players and home to Old Fort Hockey Club led by Ivor Thompson, a man instrumental in making the project a reality.
“We see it’s placement in South Ruimveldt (Gardens) as critical as South Ruimveldt has been the home and starting up points of many of our most successful athletes and it’s a haven for development and we really think that hockey in Guyana will benefit significantly for this, it’s a welcome addition.”
He said, as he commended one of the country best players and old fort stalwart, Jonathan Roberts for organising of the vital piece of artificial surface for usage locally.
The ministry is also erecting lights to ensure extended hours of training according to fernandes, who added, “[This] exposes a lot more players because, many kids these days have extra lesion after school and therefore, if they can play for another hour in the evening it serves the game and them very well’

Meantime, Minister Charles Ramson Jr at a recent press conference says that he intends to work with the GHB to make the area even more conducive with a completion deadline of approximately two months’ time
“The Hockey Federation is going to be putting in a turf maybe in the next three weeks, we built a basketball court, we just built a tarmac, they got the turf donated from Canada. We are waiting for three weeks to get the concrete to cure and once that is done they are going to be laying the turf there and they

now have the lights, we intend to do some additional works around the space,” Ramson said.
He said they will work to provide the necessary amenities to make it comfortable for play at the venue and for patrons.