In a landmark move, the National Budget 2025 has earmarked G$8 billion for sports enhancement, underlining the government’s commitment to this vibrant sector.

This allocation is part of a monumental G$1.382 trillion budget, the largest in the nation’s history, representing a significant 20.6% increase from the previous year.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh unveiled the budget during a presentation at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Liliendaal on Friday.
Under the theme of ‘A Secure, Prosperous, and Sustainable Guyana’, this year’s funding for sports notably surpasses the previous record of G$4.6 billion set in 2024.

“Like many other sectors, the sports industry is experiencing a transformative phase in Guyana’s history. We are witnessing unprecedented growth and modernization in sports facilities, along with a surge in opportunities for our athletes,” Dr. Singh remarked.

He disclosed that a total of G$5 billion was allocated to the sports sector in 2024, following the approval of supplementary funds.
The government’s 2025 sports agenda includes plans for the completion of the Palmyra stadium and the initiation of a new international stadium in Crane, West Coast Demerara, with G$2 billion designated for ancillary works.

Moreover, G$1.3 billion will fund the completion of multi-purpose sports facilities in Anna Regina, Bayroc, Mackenzie, and New Amsterdam, alongside additional sports halls in Leonora, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, and Mongrippa Hill.

Continued development at the Cricket Academy in Good Hope will receive G$100 million, while G$2 billion is allocated for enhancing community sports grounds, impacting 450 locations in 2024.

An additional G$1 billion is set aside for procuring and installing lighting across these venues.

Reflecting on recent achievements, Dr. Singh noted that Guyana successfully hosted 29 international sporting events, including the Caribbean Premier League’s T20 qualifiers and finals, with the country set to host the finals again in 2025.

The launch of Guyana’s Global Super League, featuring five leading T20 teams from around the world, marked another significant milestone.
Targeted initiatives across various sporting disciplines are also underway. One initiative involves promoting basketball by building tarmacs at schools and venues nationwide, installing hoops, and providing coaching to stimulate widespread interest and participation.

These initiatives build upon the government’s commitment to sports, exemplified by the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on sporting equipment under Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration.