Dear Editor,
The heralding of a new government has heightened expectations that it will promote goodwill and equal opportunities, including a level playing field, and make a concrete commitment to provide adequate resources for the advancement of our sportsmen and women. On numerous occasions I have publicly highlighted the neglect of sports in Essequibo, yet with few results. I am of the firm conviction however that the new regime will immediately set a high standard for sports in the Region. Immediately on the horizon should be the creation of a department of sports which should be adequately staffed to efficiently manage the various sporting disciplines. While there is an abundance of talent, the institutions to harness the same are non-existent due to the absence of properly constituted bodies and committed personnel. As a result for far too long, no one has been representing the interest of our swimmers, basketballers, cyclists or even those who compete in athletics and table tennis.
While the Essequibo Football Association has been resuscitated, there is very little opportunity for the footballers or even for the fans to witness a Kashif and Shanghai game, despite over 20 years of competition. This is unacceptable and shows the inequitable distribution of opportunities as compared to other districts. The Anna Regina Community Centre Ground has been under-utilized for sporting activities and it has deteriorated due to neglect and mismanagement. This facility could be made into a modern and first-class venue for athletics, football, cricket and basketball. There is another building there which could be transformed into an indoor centre for other sports as well. It is the opportune time therefore for the administrators to place sports as one of the priorities to guide our youths from uncertainty and despair whilst assuring them that their future could be a success as a consequence of their talent.
The community enhancement programme under the previous government saw the rehabilitation of several grounds across the Region. Unfortunately many of them have not been properly utilized and in some cases, work was unsatisfactorily done due to poor supervision. Additionally the annual day of interaction had good intentions but there was no follow-up by the ministry until the next exercise a year later. Such a culture should be discontinued and replaced by a process of continuous interaction, encouraging organizations, associations and clubs to be properly constituted, registered and accountable; and by establishing a body to execute and monitor sports projects and strengthen the relationship between the office and clubs through a viable and effective network. The youths in Essequibo deserve no less from the Coalition Government.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
