Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson on Wednesday tabled in the National Assembly the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Bill 2024 which seeks to create a regulatory framework for the industry here.
The industry has seen major disputes in past years.
According to the bill, a governing board has been created to act on behalf of the Horse Racing Authority. The board will consist of no fewer than five and no more than seven members, appointed from individuals with experience in law, business, horse racing, or other relevant fields. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport will appoint a chairperson, while the vice-chairperson will be elected by the board members.
Members of the board will serve a term of three years and will be eligible for reappointment as determined by the minister. The board will also appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), subject to ministerial approval, for a three-year term. Additionally, the board may form any number of committees deemed necessary for the effective functioning of the authority, including a disciplinary committee.
Once a report is made, the disciplinary committee will launch an investigation and once completed a report will be submitted to the board with the recommended manner in which the complaint must be handled. The committee has the power to suspend or revoke licences when necessary. All licence suspensions or revocations will be published in the official gazette.
Additionally, the authority will issue two types of licences for any such persons, with those being occupational licences and racecourse licences. Individuals such as jockeys, trainers, apprentice jockeys, and stable employees must obtain occupational licences. Meanwhile, persons seeking to operate a racecourse must apply for a racecourse licence.
An application for a licence must include a fee of either $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the type of licence. For racecourse licenses, an inspection of the facility must be done before approval. Licences will be issued for a specific period, and no one will be allowed to operate a racecourse or work in connection with horse racing without a valid licence from the authority.
Violating the requirements carries severe penalties, including a fine of $5 million and up to one year of imprisonment. Additionally, if a licence is revoked, the individual will be eligible to apply for another licence after a two-year waiting period, the act states.
Individuals who feel as though they have been denied a licence but must be given one may apply for a review by the minister. The authority will also have the responsibility of ensuring compliance with regulations related to the conduct of races, including entry conditions, classification and handicapping of horses, prize money payment, and penalties for breaches.
The act also gives the Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister the authority to make rules related to horse racing. These rules will cover the conditions for race entries, collection of entrance fees, payment of prize money, and the general conduct of races.
