GOA expects to get land to build HQ soon
- land also being allocated for Olympic size pool
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
May 18, 2007
President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin is optimistic that his organization will acquire a piece of land to construct its own headquarters very soon.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport by telephone yesterday, Juman-Yassin disclosed that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony had inspected a piece of land at Liliendaal recently and had indicated that it was ideal for the construction of the GOA's headquarters.
The GOA head further disclosed that the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) could own its own Olympic size swimming pool by next year also, since Dr. Anthony was in receipt of a written request from them (GASA) and was considering allocating a piece of land in the same Liliendaal area for the construction of such a facility.
According to Juman-Yassin, the proposals have to be taken to Cabinet for approval. "But I like how the minister (Anthony) is operating. He looks like a man that means business," adding, "I think President (Bharrat) Jagdeo has the final say."
Earlier this year, Minister Anthony had indicated that several sport disciplines were in line to get a shot in the arm as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport gets ready to change gear.
The minister had said that swimming, athletics, table tennis and boxing would be given a boost in the near future and that an Olympic size swimming pool would come on stream soon and sites for construction had been narrowed to two.
In its last manifesto, the PPP/C had promised to build an Olympic size swimming pool if re-elected to office.
Guyana's chances of making an impact at international swimming meets are expected to be enhanced greatly when the pool is completed.
According to a government spokesperson, the construction of the pool would be done in two phases. Stage one which comprises the construction of the 50-metre pool would commence within two months.
"It is actually a complex that will be built. First will be the swimming pool and then the second phase will see a 25-metre pool and stands being constructed," the government spokesperson had stated.
According to the official, Dr. Anthony had already given the green light for a pool oversight committee to be formed and a number of persons have been identified to be on that body, including stakeholders from the swimming association, engineers and personnel of the ministry.
Phase one is earmarked to be completed by the end of 2007 and $50M has been budgeted for the building of the pool.