Guyana’s top sports officials are praising the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for a dual focus on athlete recognition and significant infrastructure development, describing the current landscape as a “remarkable” time for Guyanese sport.
The commendations follow the inaugural black-tie gala held to honour the nation’s top sports performers for 2024, an event both leaders said was crucial for national pride and morale.
David Fernandes, President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), applauded the black-tie event, stating it provided an “amazing evening” that highlighted the high premium the government places on its sports heroes.
“This wonderful opportunity allows for the improvement [of] social cohesion, improving the understanding of the importance of sports heroes in national development, national pride and patriotism,” Fernandes noted.
The President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), John Flores, echoed this sentiment, describing the gala as a “spectacular” and inspiring event that serves as a special way to recognise the country’s top athletes, officials, and corporate partners.
Fernandes added that the quality of the event would incentivise future nominees, including those based overseas, to attend, expressing confidence that the next edition would be “even better.”
Beyond the formal recognition, Fernandes, who is also a Caribbean squash official, highlighted the nationwide investment in new facilities and the refurbishment of existing ones as the “right move.”
He detailed the progress seen across the country: “When we look at the investment in sports facilities, it’s remarkable because I travel all over the country and I’m seeing admirable progress.
Those in Berbice, on the East Coast, with the lights, the stadium in Essequibo, and Linden—I see that there is evidence that a velodrome would be done, the hockey facility, the facilities done for racquet sports as well, all add up to amazing times for our athletes and fans.”
Fernandes specifically pointed to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which has recently been upgraded with air-conditioning, calling it an “unbelievable” and comfortable environment that athletes appreciate.
Meanwhile, the GVF’s John Flores reported that 2025 was a “very good year” for volleyball, with a significant expansion in the sport, including more teams playing nationally and, critically, a noticeable increase in active women’s teams.
Flores directly attributed this surge to the strategic investment made by the Government of Guyana alongside corporate partner Republic Bank, which backed the nationwide B Division championships.
This tournament saw approximately 1,000 players from nine of the country’s ten regions competing.
“This level of partnership (government/private) augurs well for the future of the sport,” Flores said, noting that the academy programme, led by the Ministry in Berbice and Georgetown, is also contributing to the growth.
“The Government’s continued support for volleyball is really appreciated as more rural communities are being allowed to showcase their skills,” he concluded.
“With the incoming infrastructure around the country, athletes will be able to transform and develop their skill levels, and this will allow us to be much more competitive against neighbouring countries, who we intend to invite more here to help us improve.
The Volleyball Federation looks forward to a massive 2026.”
The post Squash and Volleyball leaders hail ‘amazing’ National Sport Awards and facility investment appeared first on News Room Guyana.
