Government reaffirms commitment to transforming sport sector

Government is continuing its drive to modernise and strengthen the national sports sector.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, recently outlined Government’s priorities while addressing the 2025 Awards Presentation and Dinner, hosted by the Barbados Olympic Association.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Griffith reminded stakeholders that meaningful progress required collective effort.

He reported that Government has invested close to $30 million in sports infrastructure across the island, describing the expenditure as both necessary and overdue.

Key projects include the redevelopment of the National Stadium, upgrades to the Netball Stadium, and ongoing works at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.

Minister Griffith announced that construction of the beach volleyball court is nearing completion and it will be launched with a small tournament. The new 400-metre track at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex is also at an advanced stage and expected to be completed within weeks, while construction has begun on new badminton and squash facilities.

He highlighted the rollout of the extended lighting programme across playing fields to increase access after school hours.

“We understand the need to have our young people active on the ground,” he said.

To support greater community use of facilities, the Ministry is establishing community centre management committees to allow clubs and groups to access sporting venues after normal working hours.

The minister also pointed to strong participation in beach football initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Cup, and stressed the need to transition deliberately into structured talent identification.

“What we’re looking to do now is to engage in talent identification to ensure that those youngsters can form the nucleus of our national teams,” he explained.

Among the major policy initiatives outlined was the restructuring of the National Sports Council to make it fit for purpose, including strengthening professional support services available to athletes.

“One of the critical areas we need to address is the dearth of professionals attached to our athletes,” Griffith said, noting that access to sports psychology support is being explored.

He also announced plans for two additional 400-metre tracks, with locations identified in the east at Bushy Park and in the north, subject to final land assessments, along with plans to replace the ageing floor at the gymnasium.

The minister underscored government’s commitment to inclusive sport, noting that facilities are being retrofitted to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. He also highlighted Cabinet’s recent approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ghana to facilitate skills exchange in football.

Addressing governance concerns, Griffith called for greater accountability among national federations, noting that while each received $25 000 in developmental funding, only a small number had submitted reports on the use of those funds.

“Our young people need responsible people involved in the federations. It can’t be done for fun anymore,” he stressed. (BGIS)