New Bayroc National Stadium to amplify talent development and economic growth in Linden – President Ali

The official commissioning of the new Bayroc National Stadium in Linden has been labelled as the dawn of a new era for the town, as it is expected to further amplify the immense talent in sport, but offering athletes a chance to further upskill at a “world-class facility” and also opening doors of economic prosperity for the residents.

In a rousing address to thousands of residents on Saturday evening,  President Dr Irfaan Ali characterised the facility as the physical manifestation of a “deliberate and deep-rooted plan” to transform Guyana into a premier hub for sport and entertainment in the Caribbean.

The commissioning marks the fulfilment of a long-standing promise to the mining town, providing a world-class platform for a region legendary for producing Guyana’s most elite athletic talent.

“Sport cannot grow on wishful thinking; it must be built, planned, and supported,” President Ali told the crowd. “The commissioning of Bayroc represents that in a tangible form. This investment will stimulate the building out of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment across this region.”

The stadium is a multi-sport powerhouse, featuring a synthetic track and a football pitch that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., confirmed has met rigorous international standards for both surface quality and lighting.

This allows the facility to host FIFA-sanctioned football and international athletics—a move expected to spark a significant “spin-off” effect for the local Linden economy.

“This facility is for you, Linden,” Minister Ramson Jr. declared, noting that the expansive space allows for future additions of other sporting disciplines.

A prefabricated stand, to the east, is scheduled for installation before the end of the year to further increase spectator capacity.

For Prime Minister Brigadier (R’td) Mark Phillips, a Linden native, the opening was deeply personal. “This was a long time coming,” he noted, emphasising that the stadium is just one piece of a “holistic investment” designed to ensure Linden remains a cornerstone of national development.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that while the stadium is a theatre for speed and skill, its true value lies in the “economic stimulation” it brings to the community doorstep.

The historic evening concluded with a showcase of the stadium’s versatility, featuring an Athletics Championship, a regional football match, and a celebratory pre-Mashramani concert.

According to officials, the facility, which began minimal work in 2018 under the previous government, faced several delays before the current administration streamlined the project to completion.

It is understood that the cost is just over G$1B.

When the National Track and Field Facility on the West Coast of Demerara was commissioned in 2015 that cost was reported to be approximately $1.084 billion.

In the coming months, another multipurpose stadium will be commissioned in Linden at Mackenzie, paving the way for both cricket and football, while similar facilities will open in Essequibo, New Amsterdam, and Palmyra this year.

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