Victor W.C Benjamin remembers Desmond T. Roberts

May 25, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Today I choose to write on a man who made an impact on Guyanese athletes during the early 70’s to mid 90s. He certainly contributed in a significantly fashion because the spirit in which he did same, he did same beyond his professional occupations, and this is a fitting time as we celebrate 60 years of Guyana’s Independence.

Victor W.C Benjamin remembers Desmond T. Roberts

Desmond T. Roberts (Guyana Chronicle photo)

Desmond T. Roberts former Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who raised the Golden Arrowhead flag when Guyana achieved its Independence, and also served as Director General of Guyana Youth Corps and Guyana National Service (GNS) and President of the Guyana Amateur Athletic Association should be recognized for his strong leadership Commitment and dedication qualities that really help many top Guyanese athletes. His efforts aided especially those that came from the GDF, including myself (Victor Benjamin), Doctor Godfrey Washington, Ashton Liverpool (deceased), William Porter, Ashton Layne (deceased) George Angoy, Regan Cambridge (deceased), Oliver Ales, Anthony October, Mental Walker, Williams, Ferdinand, Clarke, Clifton Thom, Burke, Caroline Forde, Burgette Williams, Linda Darrell and David Darrell. And in the Juniors category the Lewis’s Brothers, Gladstone Hopkinson, Boy Briner Campbell, and he also played an important role in helping top quality athletes like Rayfield Beaton and James Wren Gilkes.

In the most simple way, D.T. Roberts did achieved useful successes during his career and tenure that really changed the dynamics of Track and Field in Guyana through his clear vision, dedication and actions to revitalize track and field and the Guyana’s Athletic Association.

I personally feel that without his courage and unselfish commitment, no one around the world would know of some of the best athletes that came out of this beautiful Country, including myself, Dr. Godfrey Washington, Rayfield Beaton, James Wren Gilkes, Oliver Alves, and Aubrey Wilson.

Through the years as President of the AAA with minimal support financially, the annual programmes were organized and run properly, national cross-country races, track and Road relay events and finished off with National track and field championship every year with a well-organized programme.

Desmond never got tired doing what he loves best, to get out athletes to compete regularly, regardless of sponsorship.

He has a strong sense of humour, confidence in his own abilities to succeed. He trained others to organize events, encouraging others’ devotion to the sport because he was a nurturing person when it comes to the sport and the extra miles to ensure Guyana’s young

athletes were exposed to top class competitions, given the best opportunities and managed well at all times.

Barry Massay had a seminal role in organizing big meets but the feeder competitions under Roberts prepared athletes for higher levels of competition.

Although his pet project to refurbish and upgrade the Providence Cinder Track was never accomplished, better facilities would have allowed more international and local meets.

Our senior and junior athletes represented Guyana well, always performing well throughout the Caribbean, despite the absence of all-weather tracks.

Hats off to Desmond, should be spoken more whenever we are truly talking about the development of sports in the history of this beautiful Country.

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Desmond Roberts, Golden Arrowhead flag, Guyana Defence Force, Victor Benjamin

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