Last year, the Government of Guyana earmarked $5 billion to be spent on sport. This year, another $8 billion is proposed to be set aside. While the opposition is grouchy about most provisions in Budget 2025, including the allocation for sport, Minister Charles Ramson believes that steady improvements in the sector justify the spending.
Ramson took the floor of the National Assembly today to make his contributions to the ongoing budget debates. He was quick to recall that the APNU+AFC showed scant regard for culture, youth and sport as the ministry was reduced to a mere department of the Ministry of Education while APNU+AFC reigned. He noted that the PPP/C gave due recognition to the importance of those areas. He said that in addition to restoring the ministry and welcoming it back to the level of Cabinet, the PPP/C Government made the requisite investments and so the ministry has been “transformed over the last four years.”
Zeroing in on sport, Ramson noted that in 2023, Guyana secured 167 medals in international and regional tournaments. This was the highest ever accomplished in Guyana’s history. But in 2024, Guyana secured 534 medals in international and regional championships, representing a 300% increase.
Ramson further boasted that in 2023, Guyana participated in 51 international and regional tournaments while in 2024 it participated in 102, a 100% increase. The minister said that over 800 athletes participated in those tournaments.
Further highlighting growth, Ramson said that in 2023, 15 international sporting events were held in Guyana while in 2024 that increased to 29, a 93 % increase “bringing millions of US dollars into the economy.”
Ramson specified that those events include Cricket World Cup, CPL, Global Super League, CONCACAF qualifiers, Caribbean Cycling.
He said that these achievements highlight the importance of a strong partnership the ministry has with the National Sports Commission and sports associations which have released statements supporting Budget 2025.
“It also shows the benefit of the National Sport academy which started in 20222 and includes an elite training programme,” Ramson told the House.
He informed his colleagues that last year, international coaches and athletes were brought in to work with the athletes. Ramson said, “Our athletes are now signed with major shoe companies and are being scouted by top universities.”
Giving a sneak preview, Ramson said that this year, an Olympic gold medal winner and world champion is scheduled to visit Guyana to carry out track training with our athletes, clearly underscoring that even brighter days are ahead for the future of sport.
