Enthused by the prospects for growth over the next five years, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs said the administration views sport not just as competition, but an avenue for development for the country and source of opportunity for its people.
“People are at the centre of every decision we make…,” Jacobs said during an end-of-year message on his social media page, adding “…and nowhere is that clearer that in sport.”
“Sport is not just competition, sport is development, sport is opportunity, sport is national unity.”
Jacobs reminded that several new and major facilities will be commissioned in 2026, an indication of government’s investment in sport, allowing access and creating pathways to success for the nation’s athletes.
Among those facilities are the Anna Regina Stadium in Region Two, the Bayroc Synthetic Track and the Mackenzie Stadium in Region 10, the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track in Region Six, and multi-purpose halls in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.
The former national cricketer stressed that President Irfaan Ali has committed to the people of Guyana “opportunity and accessibility to every single person who has the desire to progress in any single sporting discipline.”
“And that is where the facilities and the necessary training and human resources is important, and the build out over the next five years will be targeted for sustainability and to also improve Guyana as a sporting destination and as a sporting hub.”
Beyond these projects, Jacobs highlighted the government’s investment in completely new infrastructure, namely a cycling velodrome, a new modern indoor arena to house 15,000 persons, a high performance centre for athletes and a cricket academy at Albion.
Minister Jacobs added: “Since 2020 this agenda has been bold and the benefits and already visible. For the first time international cricket will be a real possibility in Region Two. In Region 10, international football, cricket and major track meets will become achievable, all under Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali government.”
With the stadium at Palmyra also under construction, Minister Jacobs envisages the country being in a prime position to host major events in Region Six at “a state-of-the-art facility equipped with all the modern essentials.”
As efforts continue to make Guyana a hub for major regional and international events, the country hosted over 25 events in 2025, among them the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, FIBA Caribbean Women’s Basketball Champions, Inter-Guiana Games, Concacaf football matches, International Hockey Festival and Caribbean Senior Squash Championship.
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