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Romona Agard/ Richard Braithwaite affirmed as Level 1 referees
GDF boxers lauded for top performances
Local referees and judges have come in for a lot of flak after boxing fans have accused them of irrational and sometimes biased and far-fetched decisions. Indeed, the stock of officials that comprise the roster, are at different
DOS, Chris Jones (extreme left) and GBA President, Steve Ninvalle (2nd R), enjoy a photo op with Lewis (extreme right), Amsterdam (3rd right) and Gibson (2nd left).
levels both in knowledge and application. It was for this reason, with an aim to provide better service, that the executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) agreed that the referees/judges should be independent of the (GBA) executives thus giving them more scope and flexibility to conduct their affairs.
These officials have taken up the mantle and female referee, Romona Agard, undoubtedly the most qualified referee, was appointed as head of this body. It was a thirst for more knowledge and an anxiety to stay abreast of the new applications and implementations of the ‘third person’ in the ‘square jungle’ that propelled Agard to travel to Barbados just over a week ago to participate in a Level 1 referee course under the auspices of the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA). Already a one star referee, the course was merely a refresher to ensure that Agard was still competent enough to hold the position.
Agard was accompanied by another referee, Richard Braithwaite. He was also successful and was promoted from the status of National referee to that of one star official.
The course was held alongside the just concluded Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament. Both officials expressed gratitude to the officials of the GBA for allowing them to attend the course. Agard feels that their participation will serve to produce efficiency within the sector while Braithwaite said that he was grateful for the opportunity to improve on his knowledge while endeavoring to assist the other junior referees in their bid to better serve in the sector.
Richard Braithwaite (left) and Romona Agard are now senior referees following the upgrade course in Barbados.
Meanwhile, it is now common knowledge that Guyanese boxers totally dominated the tournament, clinching 10 gold medals and one silver. The Guyana Defence Force has earned the tab of champion gym after dominating the National Novices, Intermediate and the Open championships. Several members of that gym had comprised a part of the team to Barbados and were all successful. Among them were bantamweight Clairmont Gibson, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam and jnr/welterweight, Colin Lewis; all three won gold medals.
Coach of the GDF, Terrence Poole was ecstatic even as he praised the efforts of his charges. He has promised many other achievements of this nature providing he receives the requisite support from the government and private sector.
“Currently, the administrators of the GDF are giving 100% support and with the support of the government and other corporate citizens there is no limit to what these youngsters could achieve,” said Poole. The group of boxers met with Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, moments after returning to Guyana and Jones congratulated them on behalf of the government, while committing to future support.
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