–highlights historic sports, national development, youth empowerment under PPP/C Gov’t

THE realistic changes experienced in Guyana under President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, since he assumed office, has attracted the support of Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, who has endorsed the President for a second term.
In a statement, Ninvalle cited “historic” investments in sports and national development.

He said: “As Director of Sport, I wish to publicly endorse His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”
He also noted that over the past five years, President Ali has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national development through a holistic approach that integrates infrastructure, economic growth, and human capital investment, particularly in sports.

From 2020 to 2025, under the stewardship of President Ali, the Government of Guyana has allocated an unprecedented $21.61 billion to sports development, Ninvalle said.
“This level of investment is historic and speaks volumes about the President’s understanding of the critical role sport plays in youth empowerment, community development, national unity, and Guyana’s global representation,” the Director of Sport said.

To contextualise this investment, he highlighted that in 2020, the allocation to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport stood at $805.3 million.
By 2021, it had nearly doubled to $1.5 billion, and in 2022, the figure rose to $2.4 billion, followed by $4.3 billion in 2023, $4.6 billion in 2024, and in 2025, a remarkable $8 billion was allocated.
“These resources have not remained confined to budget lines, they have translated into realistic and impactful changes,” Ninvalle said.

He pointed to the construction of new stadiums, modern athletic tracks, multi-sport recreational facilities, and the rehabilitation of hundreds of community grounds across both coastal and hinterland regions.
Infrastructure once thought impossible in Guyana is now a reality, the Director of Sport said.

He said: “President Ali’s leadership has proven that sport is not a luxury, it is a necessity and an essential tool for social transformation. His approach has gone beyond medals and trophies; it has been about investing in the people of Guyana. His Excellency is not just developing facilities; he is developing communities and lives.
“Young people across Guyana, are now afforded unprecedented access to opportunities in sport. For the first time, we are seeing sustainable career pathways emerging, not only for athletes, but for coaches, sports administrators, and entrepreneurs connected to the sporting ecosystem.”

He affirmed that President Ali has positioned Guyana not only to participate but to also compete on the regional and international stages.
Several transformative initiatives, according to the Director of Sport, are currently underway through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, including the construction of new national and regional facilities and comprehensive athlete development programmes.
He then said: “Therefore, I am confident that President Ali will be allowed to complete the work he has so boldly and effectively begun,” adding: “This is not about politics. This is about progress. It is about giving continuity

to a vision that is changing lives and reshaping the future of sport and national development in Guyana.”
“It is a privilege to endorse His Excellency President Irfaan Ali for a second term. His transformative leadership has been for the people,” Ninvalle said.