Samuel Barakat will serve at the helm of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association for yet another year, after being voted into that position at the Association’s recently concluded Annual General Meeting.
In attendance at the AGM were members of the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club, Sheltez Tennis Club, Roraima Tennis Club, United Tennis Club and Non-Pareil Tennis Club.
While Barakat was unanimously appointed President once again, Cristy Campbell and Nigel Niles were elected as first and second vice presidents respectively.
Tina Ram will now serve as treasurer, while Shinessa Thompson fills the post of secretary. Andre Lopes, Annabelle Carter, Romela Forde and Alvin Doris will serve as committee members.
Grace McCalmon and Ramesh Seebarran are Life Members and Shelly Daly is an Honorary Member.
At the AGM, President Barakat reported on a successful 2018 year, and promised greater things ahead for the lawn tennis fraternity.
Some of the great initiatives highlighted were: certification by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for Level 1 and Level 2 coaches, Junior Tennis Initiative programme in several schools, sponsored by ITF grant; and formation of the Guyana Coaches Association.
Plans were detailed for the remainder of 2019, some key areas of which are: strengthening the clubs’ organisation, working with the Government, and upgrading the National Racquet Centre and National Park tennis facilities to an acceptable standard.
While the Association has achieved a lot in the past, it was highlighted that the main hindrance for tennis in Guyana is lack of facilities. The country does not have a regional approved facility, and as such, clubs, coaches, players, parents and GLTA executives are denied further development of tennis to a world class level in Guyana.
“We continue our successful programmes with the support of major donors and sponsors of tournaments,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association has extended gratitude to a number of corporate entities, with whose help the association has been able to pull off a number of tournaments during its calendar year. These entities include: GBTI, Bakewell, Trophy Stall, Bounty Farm, Mr. James Samuels, Mr. Amar Ally (Guyoil), Exxonmobil, Power Producers & Distributors Inc., Guyana Olympic Association, National Sports Commission, P & P Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Engineering and Construction Inc., John Fernandes Ltd, Massy Industries, PAS Cargo, Rohan Auto Spares, and Hassan Tractor Spares, to name a few.
