K.A. Juman-Yassin, president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is peeved at the attack on Guyana’s Olympic athletes who competed at the ongoing Games in Tokyo.
The athletes’ attire at the opening ceremony of the Games on July 23 came in for widespread criticism on social media with many saying the design was influenced by the government.
But Juman-Yassin in his first public engagement since the issue has fired back, stating the design was solely a GOA council decision, one that he ultimately approved.
“The Ministry or Mr (Charles) Ramson Jr or the Government, none of them was involved in the uniform, none of them made any contribution towards the colour or design of the uniform”, the GOA expressed at a press conference held at GOA Headquarters, Liliendaal, on Thursday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, had already issued a statement that clarified that his ministry had no role in the selection process of the uniforms.
Acknowledging that he can accept constructive criticisms over the uniform, Juman-Yassin said he was appalled over comments on social media that stated that the “athletes would lose because of the uniforms and its presentation”.

“To those persons who criticise because they did not see their party colours or felt that the uniform was in support of the government, or whose comments were divisive or not helpful to heal the political and perceived racial problems in Guyana, I offer no apology to them,” the GOA head vehemently expressed.
“This one (design) was submitted, it was circulated, there was no objection to it. As president of the GOA, I accept the responsibility that this flag came from the GOA and whatever good or bad persons may have to say, I will accept that.” In a release from Insider Sports it was said, “The seven athletes representing Guyana wore a bold red that immediately caught the eye.”
The GOA highlighted that in the past uniforms had other colours but there was little ‘fuss’ created over the matter. However, he highlighted that in the future, the GOA would consider having a national competition to select uniforms.
Guyana was represented by seven athletes at this Olympics, namely boxer Keevin Allicock, table tennis player Chelsea Edghill, sprinters Jasmine Abrams, Aliyah Abrams, and Emanuel Archibald, and swimmers Andrew Fowler and Aleka Persaud.