BRIGADIER Patrick West has been elected to the post of president of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) following the annual general meeting recently with all other office-bearers re-elected.

Former president Brigadier Mark Phillips, who did not seek re-election, and Brigadier George Lewis were also made life members of the Association, joining Major General Norman McLean, Major General Joseph Singh and Mr Neville Denny.

The proceedings were called to order and chaired by Mr Mahendra Persaud, since former president Brig. Mark Phillips was unable to attend.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were then confirmed by the members, followed by the presentation of reports from both the Fullbore and Smallbore captains, treasurer and the honorary secretary who focused on the management and operations of the association over the last year.
Executive decisions made at the monthly Statutory Council meeting, guided the Association in promoting the sport of shooting.

In early 2016, a plan of action was drafted for the development of the Timehri Rifle and Pistol Ranges. This comprehensive developmental plan is a collaborative effort with the Guyana Defense Force with the range being expanded from 14 targets to 24.
The whole area for the target mechanism has been re-engineered along with a safety area. The area for the administration of the hosting in October of the West Indies Fullbore Championship and the 150th Anniversary celebrations will also be renovated with a new absolution block.

A large area will also be prepared to house tents for the Admin office, medical, cafeteria, and relaxation area.
The small bore range will see berms being erected to facilitate four stages of shooting taking place simultaneously.
This new improvement will benefit the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force along with other entities who utilise the ranges. The major work on the range should be completed by May.

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has contributed $1.5M towards the training of our shortlisted shooters for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
The Association’s performance over the year included the Fullbore Team defence of the Short Range trophy, which now means that they have won it in all the shooting territories in the West Indies.

Mahendra Persaud was second with Lennox Braithwaite third in the Grand Aggregate in the X class Division, while Sherwin Filicien won the O Class title.
The team also won the four-man Waddali Cup with their demoralising performance against the other teams dropping only four points at two ranges.
The presiding officer of the elections was Attorney-at-Law Leslie Sobers who ensured that all voting was transparent.