GuyanaNRA host successful AGM

Feb 27, 2018 Sports

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The Guyana NRA (GNRA), which is led by President Brigadier Patrick West, recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). Despite President West being unable to attend as a result of pressing duties, the business of the association was discussed in keeping with the association’s constitution.
Following the membership’s agreement at last year’s AGM, the next elections will take place in 2020. Two reports were presented along with a similar amount of motions.
Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson in his report enlightened members of the milestone which the association achieved in last year’s celebration of its 150^th Anniversary which coincided with the hosting of the West Indies Fullbore Championship, which saw representative teams from England, Ireland, Canada, Falkland Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Bermuda. This event he noted was the council’s main focus for 2017.
A special committee was formulated and chaired by Mr. Ransford Goodluck. Sampson also noted that Fullbore Captain Mr. Mahendra Persaud played a significant role in relation to the successful hosting of the West Indies championships which also included the complete refurbishment of the Timehri Rifle Ranges.
The fullbore section now has 24 targets, an increase from 14. The smallbore section now has five bays to stage multiple stages of IPSC shoots. The Secretary also expressed in his report, thanks to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which provided an excavator to assist with the refurbishment of the ranges.
The Timehri Rifle Ranges is now deemed a world class range and accolades have been extended to the GuyanaNRA President from the international participants as well as the Secretary General of ICFRA, Mr. Phil Harrison.
Sampson expressed gratitude to association Patron, His Excellency President David Granger, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Dr. George Norton and Minister of Education Hon. Nicolette Henry, who had previously held the sports portfolio, for their assistance.
Also coming for praise were the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority, Crown Mining Supplies, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Queensway Security, Banks DIH Ltd, Sterling Products, Modern Optical Services and Noble House Seafoods, among others.

Acting Fullbore Captain Dylan Fields reported that the fullbore shooters have once more made Guyana proud with their exceptional performances by retaining both Team titles, Long and Short range on home soil.
This was achieved under the pressures of working on upgrading the ranges, preparing for the arrival and having to conduct the internal management of the participants, ranges and receptions.
Fields also reported that Mr. Mahendra Persaud was second overall just two points behind the winner Mr. Gary Alexander of Ireland in the Individual Shoot. Persaud however won the top West Indian Trophy.
In the 150th Shoot won by David Calvert, Mr. Lennox Braithwaite was second and was the top West Indian in this shoot. Mr. Roberto Tiwari was second in the O’Class category to seal the outstanding team performance.
Fullbore members Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite also had great performances at the Commonwealth Shooting Federation pre-championship competition in Australia last October, finishing eighth and sixth respectively.
The duo will certainly be looking for a good showing at Commonwealth Games in April at the same venue. In Smallbore shooting, Vice Captain Gordon Richards reported that Mr. Harold Hopkinson represented Guyana at overseas shoots in Suriname, Barbados, Aruba, USA and the World IPSC Championship in France.
Richards informed that Hopkinson’s self-sponsorship must be commended and he continues to equip himself with world class equipment to elevate his performance. He has had mixed fortunes but very encouraging for him to continue shooting in 2018.
He has been a top shot in Guyana for a number of years and has been sharing his knowledge with the younger shooters. As the IPSC Director, Hopkinson continues to ensure that shoots are held under the correct guidelines. He has also provided sponsorship and resources towards the improvement of smallbore shooting in Guyana. Members were also informed that Mr. Rajiv Latchanna also attended shoots in Suriname.
The Financial records of the association stands above board as was presented by Treasurer Lt. Col (Ret) Terrance Stuart. There were two motions presented and passed. The first was the ratification for the appointment of Col. Enoch Gaskin as Vice President.

He was appointed to replace the late and long standing Richard Fields SC who passed away last September. The association continues to miss the input and knowledge that Mr. Fields brought to the chair at meetings.
The second motion was for the increase in application fees and annual subscription. In closing, on behalf of the President West, the membership was applauded by Chairman of the proceedings, Lt. Col (ret) Terrence Stuart for attendance and continued support.

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