CO-CHAIRMAN of the Boyce and Jefford Classic, Edison Jefford, says they are looking for an upbeat response from the Ministry of Education, the body that has the overall responsibility for Sport in relation to the development of athletics in Linden. Speaking recently, the co-chairman indicated that they have seen the talent in the community and wish to garner support in developing the talent.
Jefford said that this is the reason behind their insistence on keeping this year’s edition of the Boyce and Jefford Classic in the community, instead of moving to the newly constructed Synthetic Athletics Track at Leonora.
“We hope that this Government recognises the vast athletic talent in this community, and make the necessary investment in sport. If we move our meet, we believe we will also move the efforts we are making to lobby Government in this direction,” he said.
According to Jefford, several attempts have been made to discuss certain developmental issues with the previous administration but were ignored, with letters dispatched annually to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport but never being acknowledged.
“We hope to continue to shed the light on this facility, the Mackenzie Sport Club ground, so that government or any investor will see the need for a modern sports facility in this community.
Chairman Colin Boyce echoed the sentiments of Jefford indicating that they have no intentions of removing the championships, born and bred in Linden in 2010, to the new facility.
“In 2010, at our inaugural opening ceremony, we made a commitment to Mr (Mortimer) Mingo (then Regional Chairman) and the people of Linden that we will not move this meet from Linden and it is only right that we renew that commitment,” Boyce said.
“This meet was born in Linden and it will remain in Linden.” Boyce was vocal about remaining true to the roots of tournaments and says that his organisation will be among those that remain intact.
The sixth edition of Guyana’s only international track and field meet has been set for August 15-16 at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground with athletes from Trinidad, the USA, Suriname, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

By Stephan Sookram