Residents of Waramuri Village, Moruca Sub-District, Region One, are set to benefit from a newly constructed $17 million pavilion to enhance sporting activities, youth development and community engagements.
The facility was funded through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) following a project proposal by the Village Council.
Additional upgrades to the area were made possible through a $10 million commitment from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his visit to the community in 2024.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, Toshao of Waramuri Village, Vivan Edwards, said the investment is timely, given the community’s strong sporting background and the role sports continue to play in the resident’s lives.
“Waramuri in general is a sports-oriented community. We have produced local and international sportsmen and women. We promote sports in our various disciplines, and this investment will help us to continue providing opportunities for our young people,” Toshao Edwards said.
The toshao pointed to several athletes from the community who have represented Guyana, including footballer Annalisa Vincent and cricketer Bruce Vincent, who played at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, as examples of the talent emerging from Waramuri.
He explained that the pavilion will provide improved seating accommodation for residents and visitors attending sporting events, while also serving as a venue for other community activities.
“The benefit is very significant because whenever we have sporting activities, we now have enough seating accommodation for people to come and enjoy whatever game is being played, whether it is during the day or at night. The school also utilises the facility for its activities, and the community as a whole benefits from it,” the toshao said.
The facility is expected to support the local sports club’s work while providing a suitable space for village meetings, community gatherings and other events.
Toshao Edwards said residents have welcomed the project’s completion, noting that the initiative demonstrates the importance of proper planning and accountability when utilising public resources.
“The feeling in general is that it is a great initiative that we have embarked on and completed. We had this plan, and the plan was successfully executed. There is evidence there, and we have accounted accurately for the funding in a transparent way,” he said.
He added that the pavilion will be remembered as an important development for the village and its future generations.
The village leader also acknowledged the support provided through various government programmes, noting that collaboration has been important in advancing development in Waramuri.
“The evidence is there that we have been supported by the government, and it is for us now to make maximum use of whatever resources have been given to us. We have benefited from LCDS, other projects and different programmes, and it is good working collaboratively with the government,” Toshao Edwards said.
The additional works included the construction of a $5 million bleacher, a $4 million sanitary facility and $1 million in signboards showcasing the village’s landmarks, sporting achievements and tourism potential.
