“…THANK YOU for continuing to represent Guyana and making us proud.”

Those were the words of the General Secretary of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party, Mr Clement Rohee, last Monday as he used the forum of a press conference held at Freedom House on Robb Street, Georgetown to salute the Guyana team which participated in the recently concluded 43rd CARIFTA Games, held in Martinique.“Congratulations are extended in particular to Cassie George, who won two Gold Medals in the 1500m and 3000m competitions, and to Kadecia Baird for winning a Gold and Silver Medal (in) the 400m and 200m respectively”.

Although he singled out Cassie George and Kadecia Baird for their outstanding achievements at the Games, Mr Rohee nevertheless extended accolades to all the persons who had comprised the Guyana contingent at the Games. He said: “The PPP also congratulates all the other athletes who represented our beautiful country, as Guyana finished fourth overall out of the 16 countries that participated in the competition…”

According to him, the growth and success of Cassey George and Kadecia Baird, as well as other outstanding and budding Guyanese sportsmen and women, is testimony to the heavy investments the PPP Government has made towards development of our young people and sports in general.

He disclosed: “We believe that these investments are bearing fruit, and that the PPP/Civic-led Government will be further motivated to invest more in the development of our young people, who displayed unwavering commitment to keeping Guyana on the world map.”

Rohee also cited the investment into ongoing works on the world class synthetic athletics track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara as another undertaking that will boost local athletes.

He said: “Our growth in sport over the years vindicates the PPP’s position that investment in young people is a worthwhile one. One will recall the comments of nay-sayers when the Providence National Stadium was being built, and (their) predictions that it will become a ‘white elephant’.

“Today we see Guyana hosting major international sporting events: the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the 2010 World Twenty20 Games, (and) numerous international football matches, among other (events).”

Rohee continued his address at the press conference by stressing the PPP’s steadfast commitment to the development of Guyanese youth, and to the creation of opportunities in the field of sports and athletics.

(By Vanessa Narine)