Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. on Thursday hit back at criticism levelled by newly elected Member of Parliament and WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus, telling the National Assembly that the government has expanded investments in sports facilities, athlete development and cultural programmes over the last five years.
Ramson, speaking immediately after Primus as Budget 2026 debates continued, said the ministry’s work should be judged by outcomes, pointing to new infrastructure, higher participation, and expanded international exposure for local athletes.
“We invested in over 600 community grounds across this country,” Ramson told the House, adding that the ministry also exceeded its own lighting targets for playfields and recreational spaces.
He said five stadium projects are nearing completion and will open during 2026, with the first facility set to be commissioned “on Saturday” and described as a major upgrade for sports development.
Ramson also argued that four of the stadiums will cost less than the Durban Park project implemented under the previous administration, while insisting that the current ministry is operating with stronger accountability.
On policy, Ramson said Cabinet approval is expected this year for a draft sports policy, outlining what he described as reforms to support athletes and associations, including the establishment of a national sports academy, expanded training programmes, and systematic tracking of medal performance.
“We completed the draft for the sports policy, and it will be approved by Cabinet this year,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted what he described as increased opportunities for competition for athletes, noting a sharp rise in the number of teams travelling overseas for tournaments in recent years, along with more international events hosted locally.
He said the hosting schedule has helped drive tourism and improve athletes’ exposure to higher levels of coaching and competition. The Minister also pointed to milestones in cricket and other disciplines, including securing CPL semi-finals and finals at “no cost to the treasury,” and said investments have helped local talent access international franchise leagues.
He singled out fast bowler Shamar Joseph as an example of an athlete identified and elevated through local competitions.
Turning to culture, Ramson said the government restored and expanded the Guyana Prize for Literature after it had been discontinued, adding new categories and transforming it into a broader literature festival.
He also referenced the “Right to Stage” initiative, under which the government funds drama productions and allows producers to retain the revenue. He said nine critically acclaimed plays have been staged under the programme.
He told the House the Institute of Creative Arts has also advanced through the accreditation process. At the same time, cultural programmes have been broadened across the regions, including moving national events outside Georgetown.
Among the new initiatives, he cited youth culture camps and grant support for cultural and creative industries, saying “hundreds” of young people have benefited, with $120 million in grants distributed.
He also said work has advanced on modernising the National Trust Act, which he described as critical to heritage preservation, and that the updated legislation is nearing passage.
In addition, Ramson defended continued support for programmes targeting people of African descent, saying the allocation remains in the budget and that more community groups are receiving larger direct grants than before.
