‘Exciting time!’- DoS Ninvalle welcomes $6B budgetary allocation for sport

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has welcomed the budgetary allocation of $6 billion for sport development in 2026, labelling it as exciting time for the sector.

This allocation is contained in the record $1.558 trillion national budget- the largest ever in the country’s history- presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday, January 26.

Speaking on behalf of the National Sports Commission, Ninvalle said: “This budget allows for the rapid development of the sporting sector, especially as it relates to infrastructure and the development of athletes and officials.”

Reflecting on “a record number of grants” presented to athletes and associations in 2025, totalling close to $120 million, the Director posited that much of that is set to continue this year.

“And if we are to follow the trend from 2020 to now, this budget allows for even an increase in those grants.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and Minister within the Ministry Steve Jacobs highlighted that the allocation represents a calculated pivot from building stadiums to filling them with athletes.

In unveiling government’s plan for the sector in Budget 2026, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said the construction of Guyana’s first powerlifting and high-performance conditioning facility, as well as a cricket academy at Albion will be initiated this year.

In the hinterland regions, Dr. Singh highlighted, coaching and training for athletes will be provided to help nurture and develop their talents.

“This year we will complete the Palmyra International Stadium, Anna Regina and McKenzie multi-purpose sports facilities, and the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track,” the finance minister said in his address.

“We will also advance works on the Good Hope Cricket Academy, a boxing facility at Angoy’s Avenue, a chess facility at Providence Stadium, as well as multi-purpose halls across the country.”

Acknowledging talent alone is not a guarantee of success, Dr. Singh said government continues to invest heavily in developing world-class facilities, employing professional coaching personnel, encouraging national and international athletes to provide mentorship, hosting and participating in national, regional and international sporting events and creating a world-class market for sports tourism.

“Sports is big business and we are committed to providing the enabling environment for our young athletes to take advantage and grab these opportunities with both hands,” Dr. Singh asserted.

Reflecting on the achievements of 2025 where $8 billion was budgeted for sport, the finance minister highlighted the hosting of international and local sporting events, including the Finals of the Caribbean Premier League, the second season of the Global Super League and the Inter-Guiana Games; upgrading of sports facilities across the country including more than 450 community grounds with lights installed at over 80 grounds; construction of multi-purpose tarmacs at schools and other venues countrywide which allowed for wider participation in sporting activities; distribution of grants totalling $119.8 million to over 40 sports associations/federations and 90 athletes; and continuation and expansion of the National Sports Academy programme.