T&T confirm large Winfield Braithwaite tournament contingent

With the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Championship programmed for August 18-20 on local shores, Guyana’s traditional rival Trinidad and Tobago have officially confirmed a 14-member travelling contingent, which is their largest delegation for the Caribbean tournament.
The team, which were officially submitted to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), comprises a two-member technical staff, and a 12-party fight roster. Vicki Boodram and Cecil Forde will serve in the capacities of Head Coach and Manager respectively.

More importantly, the invading pugilists are (1) Jaheem Alexander – Schoolboys (11-12yrs); (2) Kayden McKenna – Schoolboys (11-12yrs); (3) Makieve Bellille – Schoolboys (13-14yrs); (4) Ekile John – Schoolgirls (13-14yrs); (5) Prince Charles – Junior (15-16yrs); (6) Chris Persaud – Junior (15-16yrs); (7) Jadiah Blake – Junior (15-16yrs); (8) Paul Matthew Newallo – Junior (15-16yrs); (9) Rhys Grant – Junior (15-16yrs); (10) Neraj Mahadeosingh – Junior (15-16yrs); (11) Joshua Lewis – Junior (15-16yrs); and (12) Shania Nunez (female) – Junior (15-16yrs).
The competition, which is a 2016 conception of GBA chief Steve Ninvalle, will be staged at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The 2023 edition is scheduled to feature the largest contingent in the event’s history. Participation has also been confirmed by Barbados, St Lucia, and Jamaica, while Aruba, Grenada, the Bahamas, and St Maarten are also expected. Guyana have emerged as the overall Champion County in each edition.
Meanwhile, the GBA, in a move to improve its preparatory mechanism, will also stage a Referees/Judges Training Seminar from August 14-17. This platform will be managed and supervised by Three Star Trainer James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago and is being conducted to provide clarity and educate the respective participants on the recent rule changes that were effected by the world governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA).
GBA President Ninvalle said, “Once again we are at this annual juncture, where the future of the discipline takes centre stage. The Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships have grown from strength to strength with each iteration which is indicative of its actual and emerging value within the region.

It was conceptualised to be an exhibition of the country’s backbone and future, and has emerged to undertake an identical element and trait amongst the other participating nations, effectively rendering the event a World Championships within the region, which is a testament to the drive and ambition of the GBA.”
He further said, “This is the most important boxing tournament in the English-speaking Caribbean. Without this event, which is of Guyanese identity, the growth and continuity of the discipline would be a herculean task not only for Guyana but the entire region, as it provides a humble but substantial avenue for the development of the respective athletes. Its overall value to the Caribbean Community cannot be quantified. That is where the event’s true benefit and success materialises.”
“This is going to be the largest contingent that we would’ve ever had, especially from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. St Lucia also would be sending a large contingent, St. Lucia would’ve been sending two and three before, now we expect to have over seven persons from St Lucia,” Ninvalle added in highlighting the growing interest in the competition.
The GBA boss went on to reveal that Martinique, Antigua and Grenada are likely to confirm their teams by Saturday.
The GBA had initiated its rigorous selection procedure with its monthly U16 Championships at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym, Albouystown, as part of its selection criteria for the looming tournament. Following the results of the previous event which occurred in July, pugilists were selected and will be encamped for two weeks prior to the prestigious regional championship to continue the preparatory segment.

Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Team:

Technical Team
Vicki Boodram Head Coach
Cecil Forde Manager/Coach

Boxing Roster
(1) Jaheem Alexander Schoolboys (11-12yrs)
(2) Kayden McKenna Schoolboys (11-12yrs)
(3) Makieve Bellille Schoolboys (13-14yrs)
(4) Ekile John Schoolgirls (13-14yrs)
(5) Prince Charles Junior (15-16yrs)
(6) Chris Persaud Junior (15-16yrs)
(7) Jadiah Blake Junior (15-16yrs)
(8) Paul Matthew Newallo Junior (15-16yrs)
(9) Rhys Grant Junior (15-16yrs)
(10) Neraj Mahadeosingh Junior (15-16yrs)
(11) Joshua Lewis Junior (15-16yrs)
(12) Shania Nunez (female) Junior (15-16yrs)