-Committee to be formed to look at structure

A meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission and several national sports associations/federations has resulted in plans for the formation of a coordinating committee to overlook all matters pertaining to physical education and sport in schools.

According to a release, the meeting was held on Tuesday and was attended by among others, Minister of Education Shaik Baksh, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

Baksh and Dr. Anthony have expressed “their unflinching support to work towards the further strengthening of well organized sports programmes in schools, communities and the country,” the release stated, adding that the physical education and sport coordinating committee comprised representatives from both ministries as well as from the national sports associations.

Shaik Baksh

Baksh, the release stated, “called for a planned programme of sport activities in schools and the identification of the focal points for the strengthening of the physical education and sport programme within the schools’ curriculum.”

He also urged all the stakeholders to work together.

Dr. Anthony, the release stated said that the way forward must include an established structure for schools and community sport programmes and spoke of the role of a management committee to oversee the development of these programmes.

Dr Frank Anthony

Both Baksh and Dr. Anthony “expressed strong views on the improvement and accountability of the Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers Union School Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Championship,” the release stated.

Kumar, who chaired the meeting, expressed his appreciation for the support of the two ministers and Permanent Secretary, Pulandar Kandhi. There were significant contributions from presidents of the Guyana Swimming Association and the Guyana Cycling Federation while support came from the president and secretary of the Guyana Chess Federation, the release stated.The meeting also took decisions to establish a calendar of events and to link the strategic action plan with the sports policy development.  All the stakeholders are expected to fulfill their roles.