Essequibo youths score big

− Queenstown community ground and building under construction

− Six other community grounds selected for rehabilitation works

By Neola Damon

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, June 6, 2019

Youths on the Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are set to benefit from several projects aimed at improving playgrounds and other sports facilities in the region.

Following government’s outreach to the region on May 29, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones highlighted activities taking place to improve the lot of the region’s youth.

Jones said Lima Sands, Rivertown, Onderneeming Sand, Westbury, Good Hope and Lima community grounds have all been selected for much-need rehabilitation works. He also indicated that the respective grounds are under different stages of infrastructural development.

Currently, Sparta, Affiance No 1 and Richmond communities have also requested the region’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to include their community grounds to benefit from the government’s effort.

Youths within Queenstown village will soon benefit from the donation of sport gear and equipment.

Responding to a resident’s request, Director Jones assured the community that the youths would benefit from the distribution of the gear and equipment. “During the ‘Government comes to the people’ outreach held at Damon Square, Essequibo Coast, a number of communities made requests for gear and equipment and we [Department of Sport] have made the commitment to them to send those as early as possible. So, we have no problem including such for Queenstown youths.”

The Sport Director told the residents that they will soon receive football, volleyball and basketball gear and equipment. However, they will receive the cricket gear and equipment at a later time. Jones explained that this is due to the gear and equipment being ‘very expensive’ as mentioned by the resident.

Residents will also soon benefit from the rehabilitation of Queenstown’s community ground. “I am advised that works have already started at the ground as well as at the community building. The construction of the fence is included in this plan and while the installation of lights was not included, it will be provided.” The Sport Director said that these works are compliments of the department’s ground enhancement project aimed at providing the platform for athletes’ development across Guyana. It also seeks to harness quality athletes by ensuring they have the necessary facilities.

Image: Karime Peters