Athletics stadium needed in Georgetown

Dear Editor,

As a boy growing up in Georgetown in the 1960s, there were three popular daily newspapers: Graphic, Chronicle and Argosy.

The Graphic was our household paper of choice. From a very early age, daily reading of the newspaper at home was compulsory.

I distinctly recall reading that our Independence Arch was placed at that location in Brickdam to face the entrance to our planned National Stadium. The Arch was a gift from ALCAN, the parent company of our DEMBA. Hence, the scrapping of our horse race track etc.

I wrote about this when the former administration decided to construct our athletic stadium on the West Coast Demerara. I also spoke on numerous programmes on radio and television about this absurdity.

Fast forward to 2019. Last week, I read in the newspapers that the remaining land between Jubilee Park and the old GBS will be given to the Football Federation.

Our former leaders are probably turning in their graves following this absurd announcement. Georgetown is probably the only capital city in the world without an athletics stadium.

I consider this an abomination, especially with regard to the fact that track and field brings more honour and glory to Guyana.

To say I am angry would be a classical understatement. I humbly beg this current administration not to wrong our athletes who desire a stadium in Georgetown. I am also aware that our current President is a historian. I now rest my case.

Yours faithfully,

Keith Campbell

Council Member

Athletics Association of Guyana