Latest update August 20th, 2026 12:07 AM
Steve Ninvalle elected as head of Amateur Boxing Association
Vows to implement stringent changes towards boxers’ welfare
Steve Ninvalle (2nd left sitting) pose with his fellow executives moments after they were sworn into office. From left (sitting) are Jeff Roberts, Eustace Cuffy and Maurice Rajkumar, while standing from left are, Dexter Patterson, Keith Campbell and Sean Richmond.
By Michael Benjamin
Former journalist and Parliamentary Secretary, Steve Ninvalle, was installed into the presidential seat of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) when boxing coaches and other stakeholders held an Extraordinary General Meeting to elect office bearers at Olympic House, High Street, Kingston on Tuesday evening.
Shortly after receiving the instruments of office Ninvalle convened a brief meeting with other elected officials and received a brief outlook of the status quo. He subsequently promised to convene another meeting soon to map out a suitable course for the success of local amateur boxers.
Eustace Cuffy, who served as interim president following Affeeze Khan’s resignation, was retained as a Vice President after Returning Officer, President of the Guyana Olympic Association K A Juman Yassin, determined that his constitutionally elected position could not be challenged. Two other officials, former professional boxer, Jeff Roberts and businessman, Maurice Rajkumar were elected as the other Vice Presidents. Boxing coach, Terrence Poole was initially nominated for one of the vice presidents positions but declined citing a conflict of interest.
Keith Campbell declined when nominated for the post of Secretary but was eventually voted into office as the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Revenue officer Sean Richmond was elected as the Secretary while Dexter Patterson was reinstated into the position of Treasurer, a portfolio he held in the last executive until Affeeze Khan piloted a successful no confidence motion against him.
Ninvalle was elected in his absence after he was delayed at another government function. He, however, arrived in time to receive his instruments of office. In brief remarks after assuming the helm, Ninvalle admitted that the task of piloting the sport into a respectable shape appeared daunting. He warned the newly elected officials that they cannot view their success at the elections as a major hurdle and pat themselves on their backs. “The journey has now begun and we are all required to work assiduously in the realization of our aims and objectives,” he warned.
Ninvalle also said that he will adapt all inclusive tactics to reinstate the sport to its rightful position as the number one discipline locally.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yassin has hinted that Ninvalle’s job of creating opportunities for the boxers has already started. He said that his offer of sending several amateur boxers to Cuba on a six months training stint still stands. Yassin said that he would be moving ahead with plans to make the initiative a reality. “Now that Mr. Ninvalle has assumed the position of president, I trust that he may be able to influence his political bosses to render the necessary support towards the realization of this initiative,” Yassin said.
Ninvalle has since promised to speak with the media on his plans and projections after he would have held discussions with his fellow executives.
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