THE names of the men and women, who will represent Guyana at the inaugural Caribbean Games to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 12-18, were released yesterday during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The team features individuals who are to participate in three disciplines namely Athletics, Boxing and Lawn Tennis. On the other hand, Guyanese Netball and Volleyball teams will not be campaigning at the event.

(From left to right) Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Minister Dr Frank Anthony, GOA president K. Juman-Yassin, Chef-de-Mission Gokarn Ramdhani and AAG president Colin Boyce at yesterday’s press briefing. (Sonell Nelson photo)

According to president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin it is a matter of priority, since a limited number of teams are being allowed entry and Guyana does not hold a spot in the Caribbean rankings.

In the case of volleyball Guyana is registered as being in the South American Region and as it relates to the Caribbean Games only teams registered in the Caribbean Region are allowed to participate.

Juman-Yassin also disclosed that a budget of $2.7 million has been drawn up to cover the expenses of the venture and the size of the squad is subject to the acquisition of the cash needed.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said that the government will be making their contribution towards the expenses and will also provide tax waivers but he said that corporate assistance will also be sought.

Dr Anthony also expressed joy in the fact that they were able to produce such a good team.

“I have been asked multiple times by individual members of the media about the team and I am glad to have that information now available,” he said.

Lyndon Wilson has been named as the coach and Mark Scott as the manager for the athletic squad that comprises Marian Burnett (800m), Aliann Pompey (400m), Adam Harris (100m ,200m), Jeremy Bascom (100m), Lee Prowell (200m), Kelvin Johnson (10 000m) and Cleveland Forde (1500m, 5 000m). Clevon Rock (Bantamweight), Clive Atwell (Featherweight), Aubrey Moore (Lightweight), Moolchan Sankar (Junior Flyweight), Bert Braithwaite (Welterweight) and Dexter Jordan (Flyweight) will go toe-to-toe with the Caribbean’s best in the boxing ring. Their coach is Evan Parris while the team manager is Clifton Moore.
The tennis players are Shawna Gentle, Carol Humphrey, Avonelle Holder, Jeremy Miller, Ezra Sue-Ho and Anthony Downes; Grace McCalmon is the team manager and Shelly Daly the coach.