Latest update April 4th, 2025 12:14 AM
Work set for 26 grounds in Region 6 under the MCYS grounds enhancement project
Twenty Six (26) Community Grounds across Berbice has been earmarked by Government for rehabilitation from a total of one hundred and fifty-five (155) across Guyana. This is to be made possible through grants from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport released from the 2013 National Budget.
Minister Frank Anthony (right) and Permanent Secretary Alfred King.
That revelation was recently made by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King when they met with Regional and Neighbourhood representatives among others in the Regional Administration Board, Vryman’s Erven New Amsterdam to inform them about projects that will take place to re-develop community grounds in their areas.
A sum of $300M was budgeted this year for the development of community grounds in Guyana and from the recent revelation it means that Region Six will be getting the largest portion of the money budgeted.
Accordingly it was noted that one of the reasons for this is the direct involvement of Regional Chairman David Permaul Armogan, who himself is an ardent sports fan and a community leader being a leading member of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam and many Social based organisations for a number of years. It was noted that the Chairman went around meeting with some of the committees to provide advice. The Minister noted that the funds will be disbursed to the Regional Administration which will be tasked with monitoring the projects. No funds will be put into the hands of the managing committee and money will be disbursed to the contractors according to work done. Residents are being asked to monitor the projects.
The minister said that some people may form themselves in committees and teams and apply for the funds, somehow after a while these committees and teams don’t work anymore, and the persons, money, equipment disappear. We cannot tolerate that. Many of the grounds have excellent committees and are doing a fine job and will definitely get support. But many have not been attracting persons and the persons responsible must get their act together. The ultimate aim he said is to get more persons to use the facilities. Permanent Secretary Alfred King noted that there was need for an estimate and a design along with the signature of members of a management committee and the approval of the relevant agency, be it the NDC or in some cases the Municipality, before the Ministry approved the project. He explained that what government wants is to see is Value for its money. He mentioned that on many occasions- what is specified in the proposal is not what is actually done and this is very disappointing. This is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Some of the grounds earmarked for rehabilitation are the Area ‘H’ ground where a new pavilion will be constructed. They will get a little bit more because of the work to be done. Grounds at No 79, No 71, Courtland Village, Adelphi, Hampshire, Chesney, Port Mourant, Number 69, Number 73, Number 60, Albion Front, Cumberland, Fyrish, Tain, Whim, Scottsburg at Corriverton. The Orealla and Siparuta Community grounds up the Corentyne River have also been earmarked for enhancement.
The Whim venue, which is one of the larger grounds, is in need of much work and will get some special attention where over three million will be spent. Some 23 of the projects will be founded by the Sports Ministry. The other three projects are special projects and will be undertaken at the once famous Burnham Park in New Amsterdam. The Bermine Sports Ground at Islington Amsterdam, and the Skeldon Community Centre in the Upper Corentyne are also down for work. More information about these projects will be made available at a later date.
The Minister has also noted an additional 13 projects that will be undertaken in East Berbice; however more details will be made available at a later date. (Samuel Whyte)
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