Fiery focus on youth, culture as Primus and Ramson Jr. clash in budget debate

There was a fiery clash in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon as Opposition Parliamentarian Odessa Primus and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. locked horns over support for Guyana’s creative sector and youth.

In between dramatic jabs, quips, and serious defence of government programmes, a spirited debate over budgetary allocations and initiatives emerged.

For Primus, a creative herself who represents the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, there must be much more support for people who dedicate their lives to promoting Guyanese culture. Legal protection of their work, avenues to earn well, and more opportunities to exhibit their work throughout the year were among her calls.

And she argued that a celebration of their contributions shouldn’t only come posthumously.

The spirited speaker, armed with a laundry list of suggestions, told the subject minister that Guyanese folklore should be taught in schools to help cultivate a stronger sense of identity within the country’s youth. She also highlighted the need for more grants and tax breaks to support local filmmakers, artistes, writers, and other stakeholders.

Ramson Jr. was critical of Primus’ presentation, claiming that her contributions lacked depth. Responding to the opposition parliamentarian, Ramson Jr. said numerous initiatives have been rolled out over the past five years to provide direct support to the creative arts and for sportspersons across the country.

One example of the direct support provided, he said, was the Cultural and Creative Industry Grant launched in 2021. Through his grant, financial assistance was provided to creatives in areas covering film, fashion, music, literature, and digital media.

“Hundreds of people have received funding from our Cultural and Creative Industry Grant, for which $120 million was distributed,” Ramson Jnr. said.

He also said huge investments were directed towards developing sports facilities and supporting athletes’ training and participation in competitions internationally.

Looking ahead, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport said amendments to the National Trust Act have been completed and should soon be presented to the National Assembly.

“That Bill is now ready, and it will now help us with the preservation of our culture and our heritage.”