Guyana’s national sporting achievement reached a new altitude on Saturday night as the National Sports Commission (NSC) hosted its first-ever ‘Black Tie’ awards ceremony at the Pegasus Suites, celebrating a year of unprecedented success in 2024.Football star Omari Glasgow and squash legend Nicolette Fernandes were the big winners, claiming the coveted Senior Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards for their sensational performances in 2024.The gala event was an elegant departure from previous ceremonies, signalling a clear elevation in how the nation recognises its athletic elite.Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, delivered an emphatic address, calling 2024 a “special year for sport” and an “extension of the transformation of sport nationwide.”He highlighted the phenomenal return on the government’s investment of over G$100M in sending athletes to international tournaments.The initial target was 135 medals, but the nation’s competitors smashed expectations by bringing home a staggering 534 regional and international medals.“We did because we were ready to start to compete with the rest of the world and start winning those medals,” Minister Ramson Jr declared.“We have everything inside of us as a nation, to not just compete with the best of the world but to be the best in the world. It requires a cohesive environment and coordinated approach where there is structure.”Minister within the Ministry, Steven Jacobs, echoed the sentiment, noting that the transformation extends beyond facilities and into the manner of honouring athletes, exemplified by the ‘Black Tie’ ceremony itself.“Sport is not just a leisure activity, it is a critical part of national life and national development, and it speaks to our One Guyana initiative where we speak about unity, development and cohesion,” Jacobs stated.While celebrating the unprecedented achievements, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle raised a point of concern regarding the nomination process.Ninvalle affirmed the selection process was “democratic and transparent,” but noted that less than half of the more than 30 associations registered under the NSC submitted nominations.He voiced a concern about a “level of tribalism and clannishness” where associations appear to limit nominations to their own members, potentially overlooking credible performances from across the broader sporting landscape.The government ministers, meanwhile, challenged the various associations to ensure transparent, fair practices and to develop a “product” attractive enough for Corporate Guyana to partner with and support. The post Ramson Jr. confident of ‘world-class’ abilities in Guyanese athletes; vows continued Government support appeared first on News Room Guyana.