Nineteen of Guyana’s top golfers participated in last weekend’s Farewell club tournament as the fraternity to celebrate the imminent departure of Argentine Defence Attaché Colonel Ariel Fernando Lescano.
Emerging victorious was Miguel Oviedo (69/28), followed by Guillermo Escarraga (71/26) and Nazeem ‘Papo’ Haniff (72/9), who capped off the spots for the top three net scorers.
Other top performers included Mike Mangal – best gross; Brian Hackett – nearest the pin; and Fazil Haniff – longest drive. Top net scorers were: Mike Mangal, 72/8 (tied with Papo Haniff); Patrick Prashad, 73/9; Aleem Hussein, 73/11; Brian Hackett, 73/19; Brian Glasford, 74/15; Satrohan ‘Robin’ Tiwari, 76/14; Fazil Haniff 76/16; Ariel Lescano 91/20; and Mario Acuna, 96/28.
From left: Fazil Haniff, Mike Mangal, Guillermo Escarraga, Miguel Oviedo, Papo Haniff and Brian Hackett
Following conclusion of the tournament, guests and invitees were entertained with some very emotional farewell greetings from Colombians, Brazilians, Guyanese, and of course the Guyana Defence Force. There was a well-attended informal ceremony for the distinguished officer, who had taken up his post some two years ago, back in April 2014.
Several members of the diplomatic corps, including those from the American, Argentinian, Brazilian and Chilean Embassies, along with representatives from several Consulates, were on hand to join Col Lescano in this celebration of the culmination of his two-year stint in Guyana.
Colonel Nazrul Hussain and several top officials of the Guyana Defence Force represented the GDF. Official excuses from some diplomatic agencies, including the British and Indian High Commissions and the CARICOM Secretary General, were received.
According to Lescano, there were many lovely, irremovable memories acquired from his stay in Guyana, and the lovely Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), with its great camaraderie among members, is one of those poignant memories.
Meanwhile, Jorge Medina, head of Macorp Guyana and a close friend of Col Lescano, lavished praise on the departing club member, whom he said was like a brother to him. He recalled that their mutual passion for golf had led to many weekly competitions that were keenly contested. LGC Club President, Aleem Hussain, indicated that Col Lescano had been the instrument of tremendous material support to the golf club, and along with everyone present, he wished the Colonel a safe return home, and desired his return some time to the LGC, where he would always be considered a welcome member.
