Republican Gym targets novice honours as prisoners return to boxing

Approximately 30 prisoners, including six women, are preparing to represent the Republican Boxing Gym at the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) National Novice Championships, set for September 25–27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Coach Wincell “Naka B” Thomas is confident the group, drawn from the Mazaruni, Lusignan, and Timehri prisons, can challenge for overall honours as they prepare to return to competitive amateur boxing.

The three-day championships, one of the GBA’s major events, will feature some of the country’s promising newcomers. For the Republican Gym, the competition will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate the progress made through a programme aimed at building discipline and supporting personal development.
The initiative brings together the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Prison Service and the GBA. Described as a unique undertaking within the Caribbean, it offers inmates a constructive activity while encouraging them to develop skills and a sense of purpose.
Thomas said he has been impressed by the participants’ commitment, particularly the women, whose enthusiasm has grown since their introduction to the sport.
Getting the male prisoners involved was initially easier, he explained. The women took more time to settle into training but became increasingly eager to participate once they grew comfortable with the programme.
Entry into the initiative involves screening at the respective correctional facilities. Interested inmates who are selected then begin structured boxing training.
Thomas explained that he sometimes identifies inmates he recognises from boxing and brings them to the attention of prison officials. However, the authorities retain responsibility for deciding who can participate under their selection procedures.
Beyond their progress in training, the veteran coach said he has observed improvements in the attitudes of several participants.
“I can attest to the change in attitude in many of them because some of them might have found their purpose through boxing,” Thomas said.
He also praised the cooperation of prison officers and inmates, noting that the responsibility attached to leaving the facilities to compete has helped participants become more conscious of their conduct.
Thomas believes the need to remain calm and make careful decisions in the ring is teaching lessons that can be applied in everyday life. A rash decision during a bout can lead to injury, he noted, making self-control an important part of their preparation.
While the Republican Gym will be pursuing medals and the overall title, Thomas said the programme’s value extends beyond results at the championships.
He wants the boxers to maintain their involvement, continue improving and serve as positive examples to other inmates seeking a constructive way to use their time.