A new dawn for sport

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Guyana is launching a sporting revolution, according to minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, Steven Jacobs.

The former Guyana spinner unveiled a sweeping five-year strategic plan that promises to radically reshape the nation’s athletic landscape through a wave of cutting-edge infrastructure projects.

“The vision of our administration, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali, is clear, to invest in our people and deliver a world-class platform for future generations,” Jacobs declared.

The ambitious blueprint targets both regional development and international prestige.

Across the country, communities are set to benefit from new and upgraded venues, including the Anna Regina Stadium, the Bay Rock and New Amsterdam Synthetic Tracks, the McKenzie Stadium, and multi-purpose facilities in regions one, seven, eight, and nine.

However, the plan’s most eye-catching elements are the flagship projects designed to put Guyana on the global sporting map.

These include a modern velodrome, a 15,000-seat indoor arena for major sports and entertainment events, a dedicated high-performance training centre for elite athletes, and a new national cricket academy at Albion to cultivate future stars.

“As a former athlete, I know firsthand that talent needs the right environment to flourish,” Jacobs stated. “By building these modern facilities, attracting international competitions, and focusing on skill development, we are giving our athletes the platform they deserve to excel on the world stage.”

A key component is the upcoming Palmyra facility in region six. Engineered with elite-standard fields and lighting, it is poised to become a hub for hosting major international tournaments.

Furthermore, the specialised badminton and table tennis facility at the Racket Centre will foster a dedicated ecosystem for racquet sports.

Minister Jacobs emphasised that this is far more than a construction agenda.

“This is a strategic investment in our youth and our national pride,” he said. “We are creating tangible opportunities, building talent from the ground up, and ensuring Guyana can compete with the best.”