Some $15 million has been given to villages in Potaro-Siparuni to ensure they have proper sport areas, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI)
The Region Eight villages of Paramakatoi, Kurukabaru and Waipa, received $5 million each for the enhancement project.
The funds were requested at the National Toshaos’ Council Conference.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., MP, delivered the cheques to the village leaders on Wednesday, DPI said.
He said due to the strong leadership and representation by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, MP, and the commitment of President, Irfaan Ali to develop sport across Guyana, the money was made available to the villages.
“Knowing that you need investment in your sport facilities she [Minister Sukhai] has been representing you. Government has to make the investment in facilitating development. Sport is very important for our country, and President Ali sees sport through a special lens, which is using sport to bring the country together. It also helps to lift our prominence in their world.”
Cricket and football are prominent sport activities in the villages.
Ramson said that the funds are not the extent of government’s support. He committed to purchasing more sport gears to support the hinterland in football and cricket.
Toshao of Paramakatoi, Barry Joe, was pleased with the government grant.
“It means so much to us because we’ve been asking for assistance to do this enhancement on the ground, and fortunately it is here and I know for sure that it will have a lot of benefits. We will see development; we will see upgrading on the field which we would have been waiting for,” he said.
Sukhai also delivered a cheque valued $5 million to Kurukabaru, for the construction of a guest house in the village.
The Toshao of Kopinang also collected $5 million for the construction of a cassava processing facility.
