Time to give back!
─ Finance Minister urges Guyanese in diaspora to invest in Guyana
─ Buxton United Sports Club gets gear from overseas-based Guyanese
DPI, Guyana, Monday, December 2, 2019
While talent and practice are essential components to success in sports, the immense impact on performance often depends on access to the appropriate gear. For the members of the Buxton United Sports Club, Monday evening was a turning point as overseas-based businessman Godfrey Harry donated cleats and footballs.
Shamar Fraser, a 23-year-old who plays left full-back on the football field, has been practising the sport for 14 years. Fraser was excited about the donation to his club. “Getting more is always good. We have some gear but putting on a new top would always feel nice on the field,” Fraser told the Department of Public Information (DPI).
According to Paul Kingston, a footballer with 16 years of experience, the donation will have an indelible impact on the club. “I think it is a go-ahead for us because most of the players don’t have much gear and football equipment. So, I think it means a lot to us.”
Another footballer in the Buxton club, Davil Talbot noted his fellow footballers are now more at ease since, with the donated sport gear, the club members no longer have to ask for donations to purchase the essential football items.
It was the Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan who made the handing over a reality, through his constant contact with the Godfrey Harry. During remarks at Tipperary Hall in Buxton, Minister Jordan stressed the gesture is a reminder of the government’s focus on youth development.
“Youth playing sport does a lot for our country,” the minister stated.
Speaking to the young footballers, Minister Jordan pressed them to remain committed to the sport since it brings opportunities to represent Guyana at local, regional and international levels.
Special focus was also placed on the need for Guyanese within the diaspora to remain steadfast in their contributions to their homeland.
“I would like to call on the greater diaspora to do more for their country… in helping disadvantaged youth, in helping a disadvantaged club, in helping a disadvantaged home so that Buxton can rise again,” Minister Jordan declared.
While expressing his gratitude, the Technical Director for the Buxton United Sports Club, Linden France, highlighted the successes of the club. France underscored strides have been made at the national league. Some of the bragging rights also include reaching the semifinals of the KFC under-20 tournament and copping several championships.
The Coalition Government also contributed footballs that were donated to the Buxton club on Monday.