Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) president, Attorney-at-Law, K Juman-Yassin, is still upset that nothing much is being done for the development of sports in Guyana. Speaking at the GOA's Appreciation Dinner held at Le Meridien Pegasus on Friday night, Juman-Yassin said at a recent GOA meeting, its affiliates all agreed that financial assistance is meagre from the National Sports Commission (NSC). It was agreed that some associations get financial assistance, but others get none. According to Juman-Yassin, the issue was raised after he read a newspaper article where Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Gail Teixeira, in an interview, stated that she was not satisfied with the administration of associations. "I want to take issue with her" the outspoken Juman-Yassin declared, adding "but at (Andrew) Murray's funeral today (Friday) I saw so much people crying and grieving that I was softened a bit and so when I saw Teixeira I was a bit soft, but I want to take up the issue with her". "Things may have been done in schools, but my plea is for the Government to look at what's to be done generally" Juman-Yassin stated.

The former Chief Magistrate said he still does not know when land will be allocated for a national stadium. He pointed out that last year was hard and this year will be harder and hopes that new initiatives will be made by those in authority to see sports prosper. Chancellor of the Judiciary, Desiree Bernard who delivered the feature address, stated that it was heartening to witness and hear Juman-Yassin repeat on the work done by volunteers in sports. "This is something which needs to be commended. I congratulate the recipients". Bernard had a special congratulation for GOA general secretary Ivor O'Brien. Bernard stated that now no one does anything for nothing so the volunteers should be congratulated. She complimented the GOA for arranging and organising two Olympic Solidarity courses which O'Brien spoke about in his 2001 report on activities. In his report, O'Brien touched on last year's programme of activities which included two Olympic Solidarity courses - one which was attended by 15 hockey players/coach and a sports administration course which attracted 23 participants. According to O'Brien, the courses were successfully conducted. The general secretary also informed the gathering that two coaches - Robert Cadogan (basketball) and Carl Franklyn (boxing) attended training courses in Hungary while the GOA was represented at six international competitions.

He also stated that the association had acquired its own office, outfitted with computers and e-mail facilities that are available to its affiliates. Bernard encouraged those present that whatever they undertake in life, excellence should be their watchword. "Don't just be satisfied with selling a few cigarettes at the corner, look at it in a more meaningful way to try to develop yourself and make a success of it" Bernard said. Speeches apart, several personalities received awards for their contributions over the years. National squash player Garfield Wiltshire, who serves as treasurer copped the GOA council member of the year award. The Sports and Volunteerism awards went to among others: George Cave and Neville Denny (track and Field), Winston Bentham and Claude Charles, (weightlifting), Denise Carryl (rifle shooting), Vibart Charles and Charles Corbin, (swimming), Kenneth `Ken' DeAbreu (National Sports Commission). Sports and Volunteer Diplomas were presented to Dr. Dennis Dookhan, James Fowler, George Green, former Chief Justice Rudolph Harper, Edmund Hartley, Winston George Humphrey, K.A. Juman Yassin, Colin Klass and Joseph Lee-Lam among others. Special awards were presented to Joan O'Brien, Carmen Pertab, Denise Carryl, Rosemarie Lee-Lam and Chancellor, Desiree Bernard, while Chronicle photographer Winston Oudkerk received a plaque for his service to sports over the years. The association's sports journalist of the year 2001 award went to GTV Sportsview host Carwin Holland.