The Ministry of Sport has been merged with the Ministry of Education which will be headed by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, but sport’s role will not be diminished, in fact, Roopnaraine, a former cricketer says he will look to raise its profile.
Speaking with Stabroek Sport yesterday, the new minister noted that systems are obviously still in the embryonic stages but projects that athletes and associations will thrive under his leadership.
“After everything is streamlined, we will be in a position to craft a way forward in the particular areas. As a person who has been actively involved in sport, I have a great interest to see Guyana thrive in every discipline.”
Dr. Roopnaraine noted that Nicolette Henry has been appointed Minister within the ministry and “we will be meeting this afternoon (yesterday) to discuss how we will be sharing the load with regards to sports.”
According to Roopnaraine, the sports department will comprise of individuals who will have a hands-on approach.
“We are hoping to have robust and active participation and representation from all disciplines. I have spoken to a number of people who have ideas and designs on how to move sport in a forward direction.”
Quizzed on how standout individual athletes and associations can be adequately funded, the soft-spoken minister stated that “there is never enough money when it comes to funding sport” but he will be meeting with officials so that systems can be formulated to reward deserving athletes and associations.
Roopnaraine then spoke about the long awaited National Sports Policy.
“As soon as we have it designed I will take it to parliament. Part of what we are hoping is that the federations design their programmes as soon as possible. When that is done, I will do what has to be done.”
Individual athletes and sports teams have no chance of elite success without adequate funding. ‘Change’ was the mantra used by the new administration on the campaign trail. Sport in Guyana needs just that, a change for the better.
