Speaking at the recent Youth Forum of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised the need for a transformative business model to elevate sports in Guyana.Responding to a question from national footballer Curtez Kellman, Dr. Jagdeo underscored the importance of government investment in sports, insisting that it must go beyond mere facility upgrades to foster a sustainable economic framework.“Investment in sport is crucial, and it has to be transformed into a business model,” Dr. Jagdeo asserted, highlighting the need for a sustainable economic strategy that can generate income and professional opportunities for athletes.He noted that while the government has initiated significant infrastructure projects, these efforts do not constitute a comprehensive economic framework for sports development.The Vice-President pointed out that a significant barrier to progress lies within the voluntary national sports associations and federations, many of which have yet to broaden their perspectives on transitioning from basic amateur models to professional, income-generating entities.“Many of the associations still have archaic thinking,” he lamented. “We want to work with them, but many don’t have a vision for the sector. This makes it immensely harder when we have to take a top-down approach to address these issues.”Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure. Five new stadiums—located in Anna Regina, MacKenzie, Bayroc, New Amsterdam, and Palmyra—should open in 2025.Additionally, extensive upgrades to hundreds of community sports grounds are planned, featuring the installation of quality floodlights.There are also ongoing projects for multipurpose indoor facilities outside Region Four, alongside international-standard upgrades to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.However, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that improved facilities alone will not suffice. He emphasised the need for effective programmes that will lead to meaningful transformation and tangible benefits for the community.“We have to support this with programmes that professionalise sports and create a business environment where people can earn a living from their passion,” he explained.The Vice-President expressed concern that while the government has provided assistance to standout athletes, a broader, more equitable system is required to ensure that all athletes can achieve a sustainable livelihood.“We may need to find jobs for them in government to help supplement their income, but that’s not the model we’re talking about. We need to create opportunities where individuals can earn a living solely through their sport,” he stated.A section of the gathering at the Youth ForumDr. Jagdeo acknowledged the challenges posed by Guyana’s small population and audience size, which complicates efforts to sustain a professional sports ecosystem.“We may find a job for them in government to help buttress their income, but that is not the model we are taking about, where we can make good money from sports.The problem, though, is the size of our population and the audience size is small, so we have to internationalise it…we have to make a place where a person can earn a living just by doing by sport and not just get small time job and have to hustle elsewhere and can’t dedicate their time.”He also revealed plans for an international boxing event in the coming months, aimed at showcasing Guyana on a global stage.Echoing this sentiment, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the recent opening ceremony of the international doubles courts, emphasised the vital role of sports tourism in national development.He urged sports associations to develop a robust business model that capitalises on the growing global tourism market.The post Jagdeo advocates for a ‘business model’ to transform Guyana’s sport landscape appeared first on News Room Guyana.