The sum of $6 billion has been budgeted for sport development in 2026, including $1.3 billion to maintain and upgrade grounds across the country.
In unveiling government’s plan for the sector in Budget 2026, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said the construction of Guyana’s first powerlifting and high-performance conditioning facility, as well as a cricket academy at Albion will be initiated this year.
In the hinterland regions, Dr. Singh highlighted, coaching and training for athletes will be provided to help nurture and develop their talents.
“This year we will complete the Palmyra International Stadium, Anna Regina and McKenzie multi-purpose sports facilities, and the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track,” the finance minister said in his address.
“We will also advance works on the Good Hope Cricket Academy, a boxing facility at Angoy’s Avenue, a chess facility at Providence Stadium, as well as multi-purpose halls across the country.”
Acknowledging talent alone is not a guarantee of success, Dr. Singh said government continues to invest heavily in developing world-class facilities, employing professional coaching personnel, encouraging national and international athletes to provide mentorship, hosting and participating in national, regional and international sporting events and creating a world-class market for sports tourism.
“Sports is big business and we are committed to providing the enabling environment for our young athletes to take advantage and grab these opportunities with both hands,” Dr. Singh asserted.
Reflecting on the achievements of 2025 where $8 billion was budgeted for sport, the finance minister highlighted the hosting of international and local sporting events, including the Finals of the Caribbean Premier League, the second season of the Global Super League and the Inter-Guiana Games; upgrading of sports facilities across the country including more than 450 community grounds with lights installed at over 80 grounds; construction of multi-purpose tarmacs at schools and other venues countrywide which allowed for wider participation in sporting activities; distribution of grants totalling $119.8 million to over 40 sports associations/federations and 90 athletes; and continuation and expansion of the National Sports Academy programme.
Budgetary allocation for Youth
Meanwhile, the sum of $1.2 billion has been budgeted in 2026 to continue to support youth development.
This year, there will be the expansion of the Youth Entrepreneurial and Skills Training (YEST) programme to train approximately 350 participants to achieve Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification.
Simultaneously, Dr. Singh highlighted, apprenticeship stipends and youth engagement activities will be expanded to allow more young people to transition into the world of employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and national service, aligning their development with Guyana’s accelerating economic transformation.
“Overall, some 13,000 youths are targeted to benefit from these initiatives,” the finance minister pointed out.
$1.2 billion was also allocated for Youth in 2025.
Among the key highlights were: training more than 200 persons under the YEST programme; training over 3,200 under the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme and over 2,500 in robotics; empowering over 2,500 youths to voluntarily undertake community service projects; providing job attachments for youths through the apprenticeship programme; and rehabilitating and equipping training centres and youth friendly spaces to enhance overall learning experience.
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