The Guyana Rifle Team achieved a remarkable feat by successfully defending their title at the 2024 West Indies Short Range Shooting Championship, showcasing their skill and determination.
The championship began with the team facing challenges right from the first range at 300 yards, where they struggled to find their rhythm.
Jamaica took an early lead with a score of 357 points, followed closely by Antigua and then Guyana.
A significant factor in Guyana’s subpar performance at this distance was a malfunction with Lennox Braithwaite’s rifle sights, forcing him to switch to fellow competitor Leo Romalho’s rifle.
Despite this setback, the team regrouped and focused their efforts on the subsequent rounds.
Their determination paid off as they excelled at the 500 yards range, scoring an impressive 370 points, which propelled them into the lead.
This momentum continued as they maintained their focus and composure, ultimately winning the 600 yards range as well.
With a cumulative score of 1091.46 points, they secured victory over Antigua, which finished with 1084.52 points, Jamaica at 1053.39 points, and Barbados at 1017.40 points.
The local shooters played a crucial role not just in competition but also in managing the event, including the upkeep of the 18 target faces used throughout the various shoots.
Their hard work and dedication were reflected in the final results, and the team’s success was a source of pride for everyone involved.
In addition to the team competitions, the championship featured an International Short Range Team Match, which included notable teams from the United States and Canada.
The U.S. Rifle Team emerged victorious, clinching the Gold Team Medal with a score of 863.60 points, while Guyana proudly secured the Silver Team Medal with a score of 831.35. Other competitors included Antigua with 823.47 points, Jamaica at 812.34 points, Canada with 794.39 points, and Barbados at 763.35 points.
The individual performances also garnered attention, particularly the Bermuda Shield, awarded to the competitor with the highest aggregate score in both individual and team events. Jamaican shooter Dwaine Forde claimed this honor with a total of 566.86 points.
The U.S. Rifle Team dominated the individual shoot, taking home all three medals: Gold was won by Lucas Terwin, Silver by Team Captain Yvonne Roberts, and Bronze by Nathaniel Guernsey.
A standout moment was the emergence of young Barbadian shooter Joshau Trotman, who surprised many by winning the title of West Indies Individual Champion. Having participated in last year’s championship as a beginner, Trotman’s performance was nothing short of impressive, finishing with a score of 428.22 points.
He was followed closely by other talented shooters, including Anderson Perry with 426.22 points, Dwayne Ford at 424.29, and Laurne Benjamin with 421.17 points.
The championship concluded with a ceremonial passing of the flag, a symbolic gesture that was presented to Barbados’s Team Captain, Tonia Edwards, by the West Indies President, Maj. D. John Nelson. Barbados is set to host the 2025 Championship, while Trinidad and Tobago has been granted the rights to host the 2026 event.
The anticipation of participation from teams in Ireland and England adds an exciting element to future championships. Additionally, in a significant development during the Council Meeting, Grenada was admitted as an affiliate member of the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Council.
The Guyana National Rifle Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Brig. Omar Khan, Capt. (CG) Vernon Burnett, Commissioner Clifton Hickens, Lt. Col. Andrew Pompey, and several other officials and supporters for their invaluable assistance in successfully hosting the 2024 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championship.
Their collective efforts ensured that the event was not only a competition but also a celebration of camaraderie and sporting excellence in the region.
