… Setting up of Paintball Association and security concerns discussed

IN 2012, Planet Paintball Guyana emerged to give some lovers of a sport an opportunity to engage each other in friendly fire. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity and is forcing Planet Paintball Guyana to pioneer a structure for the sport. For this reason the team recently met with Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street Georgetown office where setting up Guyana’s first Paintball Association was the most topical issue discussed.
“The best way to properly control the sport and at least make sure that it is played in a structured way is to set up an association and get affiliated to the National Sports Commission (NSC). So I would advise you to reach out to everyone who plays the game, those who frequent your facilities, and have them on board,” said the Minister.
The group’s concerns of the growing popularity of the sport in Guyana are always that of security since the markers or guns, are evolving and are now being made to resemble some of the world’s most dangerous high-powered rifle/weapons.
The Minister heard of cases where persons where stopped and locked up by the police for carrying the guns openly because of its resemblance to real weapons.
“That’s something of great concern,” noted Anthony, adding “The thing is, you have to find a way to get the people together, I do think at this stage, nothing much can be done other than talking to them and warning them not carry the weapons in the open, because it would cause the instinct of the police to react if they see something looking like a real gun. But you have to get a constitution, have them form little groups and have them affiliated.”
Research shows several Paintball Associations/Federations were formed around the world as way of controlling the sport.
In some countries, like Cyrus and Australia, the Police control the sport while in some provinces of the island continent the law states that only a licensed firearm holder is permitted to carry the weapon.
In some parts of Europe and USA, the laws that govern the sport are much stricter since the game is also used by the aforementioned countries Military for training.
The group informed the Minister that a draft constitution is already in place and as such, decided to meet with the stakeholders of the game in Guyana by March 12, though a venue is yet to be named.
Minister Anthony encouraged the body to keep him in the “know” during the process of being fully attached to the National Sports Commission.