By Travis Seymour
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., has indicated significant progress towards enacting long-awaited legislation governing horse racing in Guyana.
The legislation, which has undergone numerous revisions over the past two decades, is nearing finalization under Minister Ramson’s stewardship.
Previously announced in January, Minister Ramson highlighted the intensive efforts invested in crafting robust legislation tailored for the sport.
Providing an update to the media recently, he expressed optimism about soon tabling the bill in the National Assembly, marking a pivotal moment after two and a half years of meticulous drafting.
Ramson anticipates that once tabled, the legislation will undergo rigorous parliamentary debate to address the intricacies and considerations necessary for its implementation.
Horse racing, a sport that frequently awards substantial prizes to its winners, has operated without formal regulation in Guyana, prompting efforts over the years to rectify this through legislative means.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a structured Guyana Horse Racing Authority, tasked with overseeing and regulating major stables, officials, jockeys, and handlers within the industry.
Previous attempts to formalize the sport, including a draft in 2014, have faltered due to challenges in achieving consensus among key stakeholders.
Key provisions of the forthcoming bill include mechanisms to address infractions, expand membership, enforce term limits, and mandate licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers.
These measures are intended to bring accountability and stability to the sport while fostering its growth and development in Guyana.
As discussions advance, stakeholders across the racing community are eagerly awaiting the legislative framework that could shape the future of horse racing in the country.