A nine-member Guyanese boxing team departed today for St. Lucia to compete in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Boxing Championship. The tournament commences Friday and concludes on Sunday.
The Guyanese squad, led by national coach Lennox Daniels, features a mix of experienced and young boxers. The team comprises Abiola Jackman (heavyweight, Elite), Alesha Jackman (middleweight, Elite), Shakquain James (lightweight, Junior), Angelina Rogers (bantamweight, Junior), Ryan Rogers (bantamweight, Schoolboys), and Junior Madray (31-33 kg, Schoolboys).
Lawrence Assanah and Germain Craig will accompany the team to serve as referees and judges.
Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), highlighted the significance of the OECS event as preparation for future competitions.
“Training has been productive, with the team diligently training twice daily at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis gym,” stated Poole. “This tournament is a key step in preparing for the Caribbean Schoolboys Championships. It allows us to assess our fighters’ strengths and identify areas for improvement.”
GBA President Steve Ninvalle sees the OECS Championships offering a two-fold benefit. “While Guyana isn’t a member of the OECS, I believe it’s important to reciprocate the support St. Lucia’s President David ‘Shakes’ Christopher has extended to us during Guyana’s international events,” explained Ninvalle.
“Furthermore, this tournament provides valuable exposure for our emerging talents, allowing them to compete in a competitive international environment.”
Ninvalle further emphasized the GBA’s commitment to fostering female boxing. “Providing international exposure for our female boxers is a major priority,” he declared. “This approach is critical for their continued development, considering the challenges women face in entering and remaining in the sport.”
The OECS Championship serves as a springboard for several nations participating in the upcoming prestigious Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Championships, which will be held in Guyana.
