Minister of Sports, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo (FP)??
Government has promised to step up its support to the Barbados Auto Racing League Inc. and to circuit racing.
Minister of Sports, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, said Government had taken note of the popularity of circuit racing, its potential for contributing to national and tourism development and how well the sport is being administered.
Dr. Byer Suckoo stressed that she was pleased with the growth and popularity the sport had witnessed and expressed the hope that it would continue. "Improvements are certainly needed to bring this racing circuit at Bushy Park in line with other international circuits and attract more competitors and spectators.
"The growth of motor sports in Barbados can be a significant process in the development of sports into a major economic pillar, which will be of benefit to our economy. That cannot happen without development of the facilities. I look forward to working with you to make this happen… Without a doubt, this sport is here to stay," she told the spectators.
She pointed out that the yearly circuit meet had become one of the Caribbean’s most known motor sporting events, attracting about 150 overseas visitors, including participants. She noted that the event was usually of a very great calibre and could stand up to the high reputation of other regional or international motor sporting events.
Dr. Byer Suckoo thanked Williams Industries International for sponsoring the contest, in spite of the economic downturn. She continued: "In the midst of this recession, motor sports participants have been able to display their resilience by upgrading their racing machines and also their driving skills, and as a result, have continued to attract large crowds of enthusiastic spectators.
"Many sponsors have shown their confidence in the sport by offering assistance to participants, where possible. Your commitment to the sport has not gone unnoticed," she said.
The Minister expressed the view that in recessionary times people needed fun events to remind them that the quality of one’s life was not just about how much money was earned or what could be afforded, but it was about relaxing and spending time with family and friends.