90 days and counting: National boxers still stranded in Cuba

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is still working closely with the relevant stakeholders to get the four national boxers stranded in Cuba return home as soon as possible.

Today marks 90 days since Colin Lewis, Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas have been stranded in Cuba, owing to COVID-19, which forced the closure of the main ports of entry in both countries.

In an update to News Room, President of the Association, Steve Ninvalle, said the aim is now to secure a flight for the athletes to fly back home next week.

Ninvalle said he has received reports that there is a Caribbean Airlines flight from Cuba to Guyana ‘early or late next week’ and the Association will be making all efforts to have the boxers on that flight.

“This is not official, but we have received word that there should be that flight. We will attempt to have the boxers on that flight,” Ninvalle said. “We would have had a recent conversation with the Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who has again promised to do whatever he can to assist in bringing these boxers back.”

Ninvalle added: “The Guyana Boxing Association continues to do all within its power to have the quartet returned home the earliest possible time. In recent times, the association has even sought the assistance local aviation savant Captain Gerry Gouveia, who willingly offered advice. The GBA will continue to do all in its power to have the earliest and safe return of the boxers.”

The boxers were initially in Cuba for a three-month training stint ahead of Americas Olympic Qualifier in Buenos Aries, Argentina. The Qualifier, which was set for March 26 to April 4, was postponed due to COVID-19.