Rawle Toney Wrote in a Social Media Post : As President Irfaan Ali prepares to announce his new Cabinet, discussions surrounding the position of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport are gaining traction. A critical look at outgoing Minister Charles Ramson Jr.’s tenure reveals a mix of accessibility and funding improvements, overshadowed by significant infrastructural shortcomings.
Ramson, who oversaw the portfolios of Culture, Youth, and Sport, made a notable impact in the realm of sports. In over 20 years in the media, I can confidently say he has been the most accessible Minister of Sport I’ve encountered. Many sports associations echo this sentiment, appreciating the continuous dialogue established between the Ministry and various stakeholders. His familiarity with sports, especially cricket and basketball, allowed him to connect meaningfully with the culture of sport in Guyana.
One of Ramson’s significant achievements was securing funding for national teams, championships, and grassroots initiatives. This marked a departure from previous administrations, where obtaining government support was often fraught with challenges. His efforts changed the tone of engagement between the government and sports, benefiting athletes across the board.
However, despite these positives, Ramson’s legacy may ultimately be assessed on the state of sports facilities, an area where his record falls short. Construction timelines reveal a stark contrast: while the Demerara River Bridge, a major infrastructural project, is nearing completion, no major sports facilities have been delivered under Ramson’s watch.
The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana’s premier indoor facility, remains incomplete, highlighting the Ministry’s struggle with execution. This shortfall is particularly striking given the unprecedented financial support for sports development, which has surged from G$805.3 million in 2020 to a record G$8 billion in 2025.
As the Ministry faces scrutiny, the unfinished projects serve as a visible reminder of challenges faced during Ramson’s tenure. While financial backing has increased, the lack of completed facilities may overshadow the positives, leaving a mixed legacy for the outgoing Minister of Sport.
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