Minister Ramson Jr. aiming to transform sport sector

— engages with sport representatives

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr., on Tuesday, met with members of various sports associations and federations to discuss what matters should be prioritised to push the development of sport in Guyana.

During the engagement, Minister Ramson assured that cricket, basketball, and football; the three most-played sports locally, will flourish under his tenure. He also disclosed the PPP/C Government will work to ensure facilities are available to current and potential athletes.

During the meeting, solutions were sought to remedy the current constraints faced by the Cricket Board in the execution of its mandate to advance the sport of cricket in Guyana. To this end, several collaborative efforts were advanced for consideration.

The Sports Minister, known for his passion for basketball, also held discussions with President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Michael Singh and his executives, as well as President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Jermaine Slater and his team.

He pledged his full support to the basketball fraternity.

Since taking the Oath of Office, Minister Ramson has expressed his desire to use his “far-reaching network” to help transform the sports sector.

“To create a sustainable sports development programme that is a sports economy as well, because sports is a business, we (government) need a system that is sustainable and that can only be done through organised stakeholders and people that are connected to the overall development trajectory of the country,” he said.

Noting that sport is “more than just a hobby and staying fit,” the Minister opined that it could be a transformational tool in the development of Guyana, that will “draw on our human capital and our talents as young people”.

Responding to a question regarding his appointment to a sector opposed to his area of expertise Minister Ramson noted:

“I have a very strong sport background and have always been involved in sports-related issues and programmes.”

The newly appointed Minister of Culture Youth and Sport also holds a Master of Science Degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

The Sport Minister said, as far as providing the youth leadership in Guyana, both the President and the PPP/C felt that he would better serve in Culture, Youth and Sport.

“The President recognises that, for the last five years, this country has lacked strong youth and sport leadership. This, therefore, requires strong leadership. It requires us to get organised so that we could help to transform the country.”

[In the photo, fourth from left] Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr., along with executives of Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), following their meeting at the National Racquet Centre.

[In the photo, from left] Dellon Davidson, Anand Sanasie, General Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Assistant Treasurer of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Rahaman Khan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr; Nazimul Drepaul, Chairman of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Junior Selection Panel, Drubahadur, Vice President of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); (behind) Anand Kalladeen, Treasurer of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); Lalta Gainda, Marketing

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