President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled ambitious plans to develop modern rifle ranges at Timehri.
The goal is to significantly enhance the sport of rifle shooting in Guyana and serve as a regional haven for practitioners.
This announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the West Indies Fullbore Championship 2024, which is currently being hosted by the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) from October 28 to November 4.
The current facility has been deemed inadequate to meet the growing demands of the sport and its participants.
In response, President Ali outlined his vision for a new complex that will include state-of-the-art shooting ranges, as well as amenities such as waterways and lodges for local association members.
These features are designed to provide a comfortable environment for shooters as they prepare for competitions.
“This facility will be a home for the region, not only for Guyana,” President Ali stated, emphasising the importance of creating a welcoming space for all regional athletes.
The new facility is expected to be completed within 24 months and will not only cater to local shooters but will also attract regional and international competitors.
President Ali highlighted that the facility could generate revenue for the GNRA by leveraging the association’s management skills to create an ecosystem that includes eco-lodges.
This approach combines sport with tourism, providing a safe and enjoyable space for families and visitors while promoting open entertainment options.
During his address, President Ali acknowledged the Caribbean’s underutilization of its sporting legacy.
He pointed out that successful athletes worldwide often leverage their nation’s support to make significant international impacts.
“If you look throughout the world, you will see sportsmen and women associated with various initiatives that benefit society and humanity,” he noted, hoping that the new facility will empower athletes to achieve similar recognition on the global stage.
In addition to the championship’s competitive aspects, President Ali emphasised the event’s role in fostering camaraderie among nations and families.
He urged all teams to rise above their challenges and deliver quality performances, reiterating that the spirit of the competition goes beyond mere rivalry.
The West Indies Fullbore Championship 2024 features participation from eight countries: Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA.
The competition is a significant event in the shooting calendar, with teams vying for top honors in both short-range and long-range shooting events.
Captain Dylan Fields, leading the Guyanese team, expressed optimism about their chances of defending their title.
As the defending champions in both shooting distances and with Lennox Braithwaite as the regional individual champion, the team feels the weight of expectations.
However, Fields believes that competing on home soil, combined with the experience of seasoned shooters like Braithwaite, will bolster their chances of success.
On the opening day of the championships, competitors began with events at 300 yards and 500 yards.
The competition schedule is packed, with individual events continuing over the next few days.
The presence of shooting icon Mahendra Persaud as a coach is expected to further enhance the team’s performance.
Amidst the excitement, Major John Nelson, President of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council, paid tribute to the late Ransford Goodluck, a prominent sporting figure who passed away in August.
A minute of silence was held in his honor, and a special prize was announced in recognition of his contributions.
The championship is not only a showcase of talent but also a platform for promoting the sport of rifle shooting in the Caribbean.
The Guyana National Rifle Association team comprises Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Leo Romalho, Lennox Braithwaite, Ryan Sampson, Peter Persaud, Roberto Tewari, Sherwin Felicien, and US-based Sigmond Douglas, John Fraser, and Alltea Alleyne.
