In a dramatic parliamentary session examining Guyana’s $1.558 trillion budget, opposition leader Odessa Primus delivered a scathing critique of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s fundamental policy deficiencies. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) General Secretary condemned the ministry’s absence of coherent policies across all three sectors under its purview during Thursday’s National Assembly proceedings.
Primus, herself an accomplished stage performer, highlighted the critical lack of modern copyright legislation protecting artists’ intellectual property. “How could you have a ministry and have not one single policy?” she questioned, emphasizing that this void prevents proper evaluation of ministerial accountability. She cited the tragic cases of late cultural icons Henry Rodney and Habeeb Khan who died in poverty despite their significant contributions to Guyanese culture.
The criticism extended to sports development, where Primus noted that coaches remain inadequately compensated and high-performing athletes receive insufficient incentives. She particularly lamented the government’s failure to utilize the National Museum to honor cultural legends, mentioning numerous living treasures including Desiree Edghill, Vivienne Daniels, and Eddy Grant who deserve formal recognition.
Culture Minister Charles Ramson defended his administration’s record, highlighting several accomplishments including the completion of a draft sports policy awaiting Cabinet approval, passage of the Horse Racing Act, and planned National Trust Act legislation before 2030. He detailed infrastructure developments including 145 illuminated sports grounds, a national sports academy, and modernization of the National Sports Hall.
Ramson pointed to cultural achievements including nine acclaimed plays funded through the revived Guyana Prize for Literature program, accreditation of the Institute of Creative Arts, and successful international participations in CARIFESTA and World Expos. “Persons involved in our programs are doing better now than they have ever done before,” he asserted, noting participants are purchasing homes and vehicles through improved earnings.
The debate revealed bipartisan agreement on copyright reform, with APNU parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess having already tabled a motion for a bipartisan committee to review existing legislation. Both major parties had campaigned on replacing the outdated 1956 British Copyright Act during last year’s elections.
Primus offered constructive recommendations including integrating cultural development with tourism initiatives, specialized swimming training for Indigenous communities, establishing youth rehabilitation centers instead of expanding prisons, and implementing educational programs on Guyanese history and folklore. She also proposed grants for creative projects and tax incentives for artists to foster sustainable cultural development.