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Former Minister of Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, unleashed a scathing criticism of Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. in a recent facebook live, accusing him of neglecting Guyanese youths and according to one young bystander, treating them “like dogs.” In a fiery address, Broomes pointed to a litany of grievances expressed by young athletes across the country, focusing especially on the unfair treatment of footballers.
According to Broomes, after more than two years in office, Minister Ramson has done little to improve the conditions for young athletes, particularly footballers. She lamented the state of sports facilities and the apparent lack of attention given to youths on the west side, particularly at the Leonora Stadium.
“These young people feel abandoned. I’ve heard their stories, and it’s heartbreaking. They can’t use proper facilities, they are forced to play in harsh conditions, and there’s no support. Imagine having national players who can’t even access a decent football field,” Broomes expressed passionately.
She highlighted the case of a young footballer who told her that the Leonora Stadium’s field was overgrown with bush, and despite promises from the Minister to allocate millions for improvements, no action has been taken. “Two years ago, Ramson was there, making promises, and to this day, nothing has changed. The young players are frustrated, they feel neglected, and they are being treated like dogs,” Broomes said, echoing the words of the young footballer.
Broomes’ critique was wide-ranging, touching on the broader neglect of sports in Guyana, despite the country’s newfound wealth from its oil reserves. She argued that with the country’s resources, much more should be done to support athletes and youth development.
“We have more money than ever before in this country, yet our young people are being left behind. Footballers, athletes, coaches – they’re all struggling. Some coaches are barely able to afford bus fare to train these youths, and they’re doing it out of love for the sport. This government is sitting on the most money in our history, and nothing is changing for these young people,” she blasted.
Broomes also decried the treatment of athletes in smaller communities, pointing out that while large events like cricket tournaments attract fanfare and funding, sports like football are being ignored. “You go to places like Port Kaituma, Leonora, and other villages, and you’ll see that footballers are being left to fend for themselves. They’re playing in subpar conditions, while the government celebrates their token achievements.”
She further called for sports to be treated as a viable career option for young people in Guyana. “We have national players who aren’t being supported. Sports can be a career, but not if we keep treating our athletes like this. They deserve better, and we as a country need to invest in them.”
Minister Ramson, who has been in office for over three years, was a target of Broomes’ frustration for what she described as “empty promises and no action.” She challenged him to follow through on commitments and to prioritize the development of young athletes and their facilities.
“Ramson has had enough time to make a difference. It’s been two years, and the young people are still asking for the same things. They’re saying, ‘we’re being treated like dogs,’ and it’s on him. It’s time for action, not more promises.”
Broomes ended her critique with a call for Guyanese youth to stand up for themselves. “Young people, you deserve better. Wake up and demand the respect and opportunities you’re entitled to. You are the future of this country, and your time is now.”
As of press time, Minister Ramson has not responded to Broomes’ comments. However, her fiery speech is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the state of sports and youth development in Guyana. The question remains: will Minister Ramson and the government heed the calls for action, or will the cries of young athletes continue to fall on deaf ears?
