14-member T&T team confirmed for Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Championship

With the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Championship programmed for August 18-20 on local shores, traditional rival Trinidad and Tobago has officially confirmed a 14-member travelling contingent, which is their largest delegation for the Caribbean tournament.

The team, which was officially submitted to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), comprises a two-member technical staff, and a 12-party fight roster. Vicki Boodram and Cecil Forde will serve in the capacities of Head Coach and Manager respectively.

More importantly, the invading pugilists are:

(1) Jaheem Alexander- School Boys (11-12yrs)

(2) Kayden McKenna- School Boys (11-12yrs)

(3) Makieve Bellille- School Boys (13-14yrs)

(4) Ekile John- School Girls (13-14yrs);

(5) Prince Charles- Junior (15-16yrs)

(6) Chris Persaud- Junior (15-16yrs)

(7) Jadiah Blake- Junior (15-16yrs)

(8) Paul Matthew Newallo- Junior (15-16yrs)

(9) Rhys Grant- Junior (15-16yrs)

(10) Neraj Mahadeosingh- Junior (15-16yrs)

(11) Joshua Lewis- Junior (15-16yrs)

(12) Shania Nunez (female)- Junior (15-16yrs)

The competition, which is a 2016 conception of GBA chief, Steve Ninvalle, will be staged at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Presently, the 2023 edition is scheduled to feature the largest contingent in the event’s history.

Participation has also been confirmed from Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica, whilst Aruba, Grenada, the Bahamas, and St Maarten are also expected. Guyana has emerged as the overall Champion Country in each edition thus far.

Meanwhile, the GBA in a move to improve its preparatory mechanism, will also stage a Referees/Judges Training Seminar from August 14-17.

This platform will be managed and supervised by Three-Star Trainer James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago and is being conducted to provide clarity and educate the respective participants on the recent rule changes that were effected by the world governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA).

GBA President Ninvalle said, “Once again we are at this annual juncture, where the future of the discipline takes centre stage. The Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships have grown from strength to strength with each iteration which is indicative of its actual and emerging value within the region. It was conceptualized to be an exhibition of the country’s backbone and future and has emerged to undertake an identical element and trait amongst the other participating nations, effectively rendering the event a World Championships within the region, which is a testament to the drive and ambition of the GBA.”

He further said, “This is the most boxing important tournament in the English-speaking Caribbean. Without this event, which is of Guyanese identity, the growth, and continuity of the discipline would be a herculean task not only for Guyana but the entire region, as it provides a humble but substantial avenue for the development of the respective athletes. It’s overall value to the Caribbean Community cannot be quantified. That is where the event’s true benefit and success materialises.”

The GBA had initiated its rigorous selection procedure with its monthly Under-16 Championships at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, Albouystown, as part of its selection criteria for the looming tournament.

Following the results of the previous event which occurred in July, pugilists were selected and will be encamped for two weeks prior to the prestigious regional championship to continue the preparatory segment.