Guyana Chronicle
May 26, 2001

HOURS before the World champion arrived, scores of schoolchildren lined the Guyana House walkway to welcome World Boxing Association welterweight champion, Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis, to the town of New Amsterdam, Thursday.

Officials of the Region Six Regional Democratic Council and residents were also present to welcome the boxing champion.

Regional Chairman Rohit Persaud pinned a gold brooch on `Sixhead' Lewis as a special honour for making Guyana proud.

After lunching at the Guyana House, the champion then proceeded to the New Amsterdam Town Hall. Hundreds of residents converged on the market square hours before he arrived.

On arrival, `Sixhead' Lewis was thronged by the large gathering as everyone wanted to have a glimpse of him and to have a handshake.

A red carpet welcome was accorded the champion. The carpet was laid right up the stairway where Deputy Mayor Claude Henry welcomed him.

In the boardroom a special programme unfolded in his honour. Among those present were Town Clerk Lorell Alfred, former Mayors, Errol Alphonso and Barbara Pilgrim, and representatives of the sports and business communities.

Guyana's first world boxing champion was encouraged to remain focused and make God a priority in his life. He was urged to continue to move forward, since his success will initiate a drive for our youths.

Special prayers were said for the champion and he was given the key to New Amsterdam by the Deputy Mayor.

That was the third key received since coming home with WBA world welterweight championship and WBA North American welterweight belts. (Calvin Marshall).