As the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) approaches its Annual General Meeting on February 21, the electoral conversation has shifted from the track to the national balance sheet.
Prominent business leaders are now publicly endorsing incumbent President Mahendra Boodhoo, characterising his administration as the primary catalyst for a burgeoning “Sports Tourism” sector that is delivering tangible returns for the local economy.
Enzo Matthews, a key figure in Guyana’s business and hospitality community, has highlighted the direct correlation between Boodhoo’s international strategy and private sector growth.
Reflecting on the introduction of the GT3 Series last November, Matthews noted that even a limited exhibition of international-spec racing triggered a spike in hospitality demand.
“I had a hospitality park for the last November race meet,” Matthews explained. “That was just two GT3 cars on show that day and it was a success for my business. Imagine the scale when we have 15+ GT3 cars at South Dakota this July.”
The endorsement centres on what Matthews describes as a “wider vision” that has redefined the possibilities for Guyanese motorsport. Under Boodhoo’s leadership, the South Dakota Circuit is being positioned as a regional hub for high-end racing, culminating in the upcoming GT Challenge de las Américas on July 11-12.
“No one can come close to this vision right now,” Matthews stated. “If you want to top what is happening, you’d practically have to bring Formula 1 to Guyana. This sport has a golden opportunity to grow, and the tourism parts lead to direct business for various sectors, especially the hospitality sector.”
The GMR&SC’s current trajectory is increasingly viewed as a pillar of Guyana’s non-oil economic diversification. The anticipated influx of international teams and spectators for the July window is expected to provide a significant boost to:
- Hotel Occupancy: With teams requiring multi-week stays for testing and competition.
- Transportation: Increased demand for car rentals and specialised logistics.
- Local Vendors: High-attendance events driving record sales at the circuit and surrounding areas.
“I would like to throw my support behind Mahendra Boodhoo for re-election,” Matthews concluded. “We need to ensure this vision continues for the benefit of the sport and the country’s economy.” (Press Release)
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