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Chief of Staff Gary Bess continues to head Guyana National Rifle Association
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Commodore Gary Bess, 
was returned unopposed to head the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA), while President Donald Ramotar has acquiesced to the position of patron when that entity staged its Annual General Meeting at the Bank of Guyana roof garden, Thursday evening last.
The GNRA also scored a first when it elected Vidushi Persaud, the first woman to its executive ranks. She has been elected as one of its auditors, while Ray Beharry is the other.
The proceedings were conducted by returning officer, Lt Colonel Terry Stuart who was himself elected as the treasurer of the association, a position he held during the previous dispensation. Senior Counsel Richard Fields and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe were elected as the two Vice Presidents, while long serving Honourary Secretary Ryan Sampson was also returned to his post.
Several others officers were retained including Assistant Secretary Treasurer Hemant Narine, Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud and Fullbore Vice Captain Dylan Fields. Ransford Goodluck and Mohamed Qualander were also retained as the Committee Members.
The newly elected members are Smallbore Captain Ryan McKinnon, who has as his Vice Captain Gordon Richards. Committee member, Dale Hing joined Auditors Ray Beharry and Vidushi Persaud, the latter being the first female to serve on the executive committee.
Moments after the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Sampson acknowledged the acceptance of President Ramotar as patron, while saying that his fellow executives were anticipating a fruitful relationship with him towards the development of the sport. He apologized for the absence of Commodore Best due to work commitments. Mr. Sampson further revealed that the Association has been very vibrant and has achieved 80 percent of goals set out during the previous financial year.
Touching on the immediate plans of his executive Mr. Sampson revealed that Guyana will be the hosts of the West Indian Fullbore championships scheduled for sometime in October. He said that several countries have already affirmed their participation including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, The London Middlesex Rifle Association and Bermuda. He also hinted at the possible participation of Canada and Australia but said that his entity is awaiting a final word from these countries. The National Rifle Team will be looking to retain the Long Range Trophy it has held for five consecutive years and recapture the Short Range Cup relinquished last year in Antigua by just one point. Prior to that, the local marksmen had held the title for four consecutive years.
Mr. Sampson said that the fullbore sessions are scheduled to recommence late next month following the arrival of the requisite ammunition. He said that the marksmen in this department were hampered by the lack of adequate ammunition which affected the smooth flow of the planned itinerary.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that rehabilitation work has started at the Timerhi rifle and pistol ranges since the front fence, the range huts at the 300, 500 and 600 yards area were completed, while the executive is optimistic of the continuation of collaborative efforts between the Guyana Defence Force and the GNRA towards this end.
It was also revealed that the association is in a healthy financial position owing in part to significant input of the many stakeholders and patrons. Those persons and entities coming in for high praise include outgoing Patron Bharrat Jagdeo, Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Commodore Gary Bess, Crown Mining, Industrial Safely Supplies, Queensway, Banks DIH, Citizen Bank, Scotia Bank, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance, Modern Optical, Sterling Products and Noble House Seafoods. Several media operatives and institutions also came in for high praise for coverage of the sport.
Smallbore shooters participated in two international meets in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados where Dale Hing won the competition, while Gordon Richards finished third. Hing was also adjudged the fastest draw in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the new Executive Council will be meeting early next month to draft plans for the fiscal year.
Earlier this week, Kaieteur Sport had mistakenly carried the wrong story on this event after being furnished with the wrong release. Kaieteur Sport and the GNRA apologise for this mistake.
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