Basketball Federation welcomes allocation, measures for sport in 2024 National Budget

Press Release from the Guyana Basketball Federation

The Guyana Basketball Federation commends the Government of Guyana on yet another record-breaking fund allocation for the transformation of sports in Guyana in the 2024 National Budget.

With a $4.6 billion allocation for the advancement of sports with a focus on constructing and improving facilities will certainly make Guyana a sports hosting destination for regional and international events.

The $300 million increase to the sports budget is a crucial aspect that reflects the Government of Guyana commitment to physical well-being, community engagement, and the development of athletic talent.

The Guyana Basketball Federation is also excited about the removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on the importation of sports equipment where we will be able to tap into our partners to provide more equipment for the development and growth of the sport in Guyana.

Thoughtful and sufficient budget allocation to sports is an investment in the physical, social and competitive health of a nation. It not only enhances individual well-being, but also strengthens the fabric of communities and contributes to a country’s standing in the international sports arena.

Basketball being classified as one of the 12 core sports by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr. and the National Sports Commission demonstrates the Ministry’s seriousness in partnering with the Guyana Basketball Federation to develop, grow and promote basketball and 3×3 basketball in Guyana.

In 2024, the Guyana senior and junior national teams will have several opportunities to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Caribbean Women’s Championship, Centrobasket Women’s Championship, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Caribbean Pre-Qualifier, Centrobasket U-15 Championships (Boys and Girls), Centrobasket U-17 2025 Qualifier (Boys and Girls), FIBA 3×3 U-17 AmeriCup (Boys and Girls) and the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup (Men and Women).

The Guyana senior men’s national team won the last FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Qualifier in 2018 in Suriname. It is critical that the National Sports Commission have a strategy to unite sports through a shared vision where all will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.

This strategy is based on research and best practices with input through dialogue, planning sessions and consultation with national sports federations and successful sports programmes that offer actionable ideas for national federations/associations, coaches, officials, communities, schools, parents and policymakers to support sport participation for all.