From the Pitch to Government: Steven Jacobs’s remarkable journey

In a testament to his multifaceted career, former national cricketer Steven Anthony Jacobs has been sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport.

The appointment, made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali following his re-election, marks a new high in Jacobs’s journey from a national athlete to a successful businessman and city official.

The 37-year-old, a familiar face during the recent People’s Progressive Party/Civic campaign, now holds a key portfolio as the government aims to continue its push to transform Guyana into the entertainment and sports hub of the Caribbean.

Charles Ramson Jr. remains the substantive Minister for the Ministry.

With a burgeoning quest to offer tangible service to those in need, he also aims to foster programmes that develop young people and instill a more profound sense of national pride through culture.

“This government is an exercise of service and great humility,” President Ali said at the ceremony.

Jacobs was one of 25 ministers sworn in at the State House on Saturday evening.

In an invited comment, Jacobs expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Guyana, emphasizing his commitment to working with all stakeholders to move the Ministry and the country forward.

“I will bring an athlete’s perspective to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and most importantly, empowerment of young people,” the devoted husband and father of two added.

Jacobs, a stylish batsman who evolved into a miserly off-spinner, represented the senior national cricket team from 2006 to 2017. He also played in the Caribbean Premier League for both the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs.

His resume is impressive off the field: He is a Level II cricket coach, Vice President of the Malteenoes Sports Club, and Vice President of the India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce.

A former West Indies Under-19 captain, his educational background includes studies in Sports Management at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy.

Before this new role, Jacobs served as a City Councilor overseeing Constituency Two – Kitty and Subryanville, further cementing his commitment to public service.

Of notable interest, Roy Federicks, former West Indies and Guyana batsman served as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport from 1980 – 1985.