The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has announced a new list of criteria for nominees in the 2010 National Sports Awards.
In a syllabus distributed to all the various sporting disciplines in Guyana, a list of criteria has outlined a system for points to be awarded to nominees based on performance and achievements at different levels during the last year. The document was drafted by the National Sports Commission, headed by the Director of Sports Neil Kumar, and is aimed at making the selection process as fair as possible.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, the associations were given a chance to discuss the new rules with Kumar and Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony. In his address Anthony said the guidelines were specifically aimed at preventing bias. “There have been some complaints by people who have said look you are not sure, the panel perhaps subjectively choose this person or that person, so it’s an attempt to be able to explain that this is what we used,” he said.
To gain points the associations are expected to provide a detailed account of their nominees illustrating the reason for their choice for the varying categories. This is to ensure that the panel of judges are given all vital information to ensure a fair selection. “But for this system to work we would need a lot of cooperation from the Associations,” the minister said, adding that “For this to work you really have to submit lots of details pertaining to the person you nominate.”
Associations are expected to verify all information submitted and the circular clearly states that nominations would be automatically disqualified if it is found that it had deliberately presented false information. Submissions close on January 15. No late submissions will be accepted. The judges are expected to deliberate during a ten-day period from January 21 – 31.
The winners will be announced at a press conference on January 31, and will be presented with their awards at a ceremony set for the National Cultural Centre at a date still to be determined. Kumar said the ceremony is expected to be held some time in February.
