– encourages NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO not be deterred from providing alternative facility for youths
Feelings of hope turned to despair when veteran journalist Alan La Rose learnt that the NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO withdrew its plans for the Bourda sports academy at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC)/ Georgetown Football Club (GFC) due to misconceptions in a Kaieteur News article last Saturday.
He indicated that the possible development for a sporting facility to “benefit inner city youths” resulted in the idea being shelved, due to reportage in a section of the press.
In an interview with Guyana Times International Sport, he also indicated that that it was heartening to see that Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, Executive Chairman of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII), was pushing for this sort of developmental infrastructure, despite some disparaging comments leveled against him in a section of the press.
“It was a delight to see a Guyanese coming out in the wake of all that is being said and to see that he is still giving back. And in a day or two the hopes were dashed,” La Rose stated.
He however suggested that if the Bourda sports academy does not materialise, Dr Ramroop should not be deterred from offering youths a facility that will aid in their development.
“I am humbly suggesting to Dr Ramroop and his powers that be that he can still make that provision for inner city youths and Guyanese at another location.
“It could provide so much for Georgetown residents. If you go in the morning to the Cuffy Square (1763 Monument site), for example, you will see the number of people there looking for an outlet to exercise, especially since this government has been priding itself on healthy lifestyle living, and that is to provide facilities for citizens.
“So maybe Dr Ramroop, in his wise mind, could look at another location which is ideally located to provide for inner city youths something that is long overdue,” the Masters footballer opined.
La Rose however insisted that despite all of the opposition that Dr Ramroop has received, “none has come forward to offer any (facility for the youths).
He believes that all should embrace the initiative of the NEW GPC/ CPL OP CO, echoing the sentiments of legendary West Indies and Guyana captain Clive Lloyd, who spoke this publication on Sunday.
La Rose also lamented the poor state of football in Guyana, stating that despite a yearly subvention from FIFA, there are no proper facilities for the sport to ensure players excel beyond a certain level.
Further, he stated that other facilities would have been built but football is without “a home”.
Meanwhile, the principals of the NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO had proposed a plan that addressed these issues: (1) The world class stadium, with all its amenities, would have returned international cricket and football to Georgetown along with an economic resurgence; (2) The financial structure of the endeavour would have ensured that GCC and GFC share in the profits generated, which would have enabled these clubs to return to their glory years. (3) The principals of Limacol are particular proud of their proposed cricket and football academy. The youths of Georgetown, as with any city in the world, need positive outlets for their energy.
