Different government, same disinterest in sports

Sep 02, 2015 Sports

Most State owned grounds in disrepair

By Sean Devers
Looking at the condition of the State owned grounds in the city you would come to the conclusion that the past administration, which was in power for 23 years, paid little interest to sports development and allowed the grounds to become virtual jungles.
When I played for Guyana at the Under-19 level in the 80s, we had good facilities and the structure for cricket development and the grassroots level was strong. The National Sports Development Council (NSDC) on Brickdam ran a national Under-16 cricket competition and Inter-House cricket was an important aspect of school life.

GNIC ground which houses the GCB outdoor nets.

I got my first job in the Admin Department at GNTC not only because of my qualifications but more I believe, because I played cricket; the Guystac games also included cricket. The GUYMINE games in Linden were also a ‘big thing’.
Under the PPP government these things were gradually phased out and sports grounds converted into Housing projects. The North Georgetown Primary school now sits on what was once the Richard Ishmael Secondary School ground where other students and I built a cricket pitch.
The Carifesta Sports Complex (formerly GNS), Ministry of Education and National Insurance Scheme grounds, all on Carifesta Avenue; Transport Sports Club (TSC) ground (Thomas Lands) and GNIC ground (Woolford Avenue), are all run by State owned entities.
The TSC ground is in such terrible condition that cricket cannot be played even though this entity has a team which plays at the first division level. A change in Government was welcomed by most in the sporting fraternity since it was a shame that the past Government did nothing to arrest the decline of the State owned grounds which are controlled by big entities like GNIC and GuySuCo.
The LBI ground where the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Hostel and indoor practice facility is located, is totally unplayable. The GCB is willing to lease that ground and upgrade it but efforts were stalled by the PPP/C Government.
It is hoped that this Government will discuss the proposal since it is understood that the ground could be used for a private Housing project as has been the case with many of the new Housing Schemes.
While the GCC is a private club, Bourda is a historic place which hosted the first Test win by the West Indies in 1930. The stands at the famous ground are falling apart and it is a shame that the venue is being allowed to deteriorate.
Although they are just over 100 days into their five-year term, the APNU/AFC Coalition Government seems just as disinterested in Sports development as the past Administration with no tangible plan (at least publicly) to arrest the decline in all facets of sports.

The NIS ground is full of bush almost the height of the goal post.

It was disappointing to hear that no money was budgeted specifically for Sports and the Education Ministry is now merged with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Dr. Rupert Roopnarine being the overall Head. Junior Minster Nicolette Henry, who has no known background in sports, is in charge of Sports.
I tried to arrange an interview with Dr Roopnarine who was very busy at the time and suggested that I e-mail the questions. I did….over three months ago. I was told by Dr. Roopnarine’s Secretary that my questions were sent to Minister Henry, who has apparently been too busy to respond to my email despite over 10 reminders.
What has happened to the Cricket Administration Bill, are there plans to upgrade grounds and build a ‘Bank track’ for cycling, what is the latest update on the Sports Policy? Will the Government give the Guyana Hockey Federation land to build a hockey field since the World Body will provide the funds if they get the land? And what about rehabilitating Durban Park into a multi sport facility?
Back in the day, Durban Park hosted Horse Racing events. These were among the questions that were ignored by Minister Henry. A response stating that my questions are being looked at and answers should be forthcoming, would have been good enough in the interim.
It’s imperative that the grounds are upgraded and the entities that control them like GNIC, Transport & Harbors Department, Ministry of Education, among others, should also be held accountable for the deplorable conditions of same.
Private clubs like GYO, without large funding, are doing a magnificent job in upgrading their ground on Woolford Avenue. It’s a pity that their ground is too small to accommodate division-one matches. Malteenoes is another private club that transformed their pavilion and raised their ground through fund-raising activities.