The Ministry of Finance in its 2022 Mid-Year Report disclosed that under the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, $106.5 million was expended on 16 events during the review period. These events included the Cricket Carnival Launch, Republic Celebrations, Steel Band Panorama, Phagwah Festival and the 56th Independence Anniversary. Importantly, these events benefitted 100 performers who are considered key drivers in promoting social cohesion as well as the achievement of President Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative.
The report also states that the sum of $304.6 million was expended during the first half of 2022. Of this amount, $21 million was spent to advance works on asphalting of the synthetic tracks in Regions 6 and 10, and rehabilitating the stands at the National Track and Field Centre.
Regarding the Sports Academy, approximately 300 players benefitted from training launched in sports disciplines, including basketball, table tennis, badminton, and rugby during the first half of 2022. The maintenance of sports infrastructure has continued across the country, among them, the National Stadium is being prepared to host seven group games, three knockout matches, and the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals slated for September 2022. The latter is indeed a milestone for Guyana to be hosting the CPL semi-finals and final matches for three consecutive years from 2022.
Over the reporting period, the report states that government continued to empower youth across the country, with $206.1 million expended of the $841.3 million budgeted. As it relates to the Volunteer Apprenticeship Community Support Programme, approximately 100 youths benefitted from this programme and were attached to several communities and private companies where they provided community service and gained hands-on working experience.
Guyana Standard understands that grants under the Youth Entrepreneur and Mentorship Programme will be awarded during the second half of 2022.
Further, the Department of Youth trained approximately 200 young men and 80 young women during the first half of 2022, which will boost the national skills base in masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing and robotics.
