Guyana Basketball Federation sees Government’s $6B allocation for sport as ‘transformative’

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has hailed the Government of Guyana’s proposed $6 billion allocation to the sport sector as a defining moment for national development, youth empowerment and the future of athletics across the country.

GBF President Michael Singh described the investment as a transformative step that signals the Government’s strong belief in the power of sport to shape healthier communities and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

“This level of support is unprecedented, and it sends a powerful message about the value being placed on youth development, healthy lifestyles, and social unity through sport,” Singh said.

According to Singh, “basketball stands ready to play its part in ensuring this investment brings lasting benefits to communities nationwide.”

Singh expressed sincere appreciation to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his administration for what he called a sustained and deliberate focus on sport as a pillar of national progress. He noted that the Federation has already experienced the impact of that support in recent years.

“The GBF has enjoyed a good relationship with the Government of Guyana over the years, and particularly recently, when we were able to host several historic regional and international events,” Singh pointed out, while adding, “that collaboration has helped to elevate Guyana’s profile on the regional basketball stage.”

The Federation also acknowledged the leadership of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and Minister within the Ministry Steven Jacobs for their roles in advancing plans to modernise the country’s sporting framework.

Looking ahead, Singh emphasised that the funding must be managed with care and strategic vision to ensure equitable development across all sporting disciplines.

“With this significant investment comes great responsibility. As the GBF embarks on a busy 2026, we look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure basketball continues to grow in a structured and sustainable way,” Singh said.

The GBF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and contributing to the development of modern facilities, all with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.