Updated: Orlando group to design Guyana sports complex; govt approval yet to be granted

Last Updated on Wednesday, 3 February 2016, 14:18 by Denis Chabrol

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, (centre) in discussions with Canadian Hall of Fame footballer, Mr. Alex Bunbury, while New York-based coach Mr. Stanley Harmon, (left of Minister Harmon) and, from right; Productivity Coach, Ms. Alicia Nichols and Finance Consultant for the project Mr. Les Logston look on. (GINA photo).

Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. Wednesday said it was in the final rounds of designing the future home of the Guyana Sports Complex in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana – a sovereign state on the northern mainland of South America.

“The master plan creates a true destination and an exciting experience for visitors, spectators and athletes, while establishing a framework for sustainable legacy development,” said Tim Baker, Principal of Baker Barrios Architects, Inc.  “This expansion project will provide a central hub for athletics while offering world-class amenities for fans and state-of-the-art resources and spaces for athletes to study, train, and live.”

The Orlando, Florida-based company said contrary to a report on Tuesday, neither the Guyanese government nor Alex Bunbury or ABSAA had stated that the Guyanese government has already approved the project.

In a public address to the nation, President Granger acknowledged his commitment to promote development in an effort to strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure and extend public services in support of a National Renaissance to capture the spirit of independence.

The proposed Guyana Sports Complex, according to Baker Barrios Architects, Inc.

Anchored by a 24,000 seat National Football Stadium, the 230-acre development project will include an 80,000 square-foot training facility; 10 training fields; a co-ed sports academy; 18-hole golf course; 6,000 seat amphitheater; retail and business centers; a healthcare facility community outreach center; and a 5-star resort to include 120 rooms and 100 onsite residences.

A native of Plaisance, the retired professional athlete aims to help educate developing players and foresees Guyana forming a “power team” at some point.