A family full of joy By Michael DaSilva Stabroek News February 19, 2001 Albouystown, the home of new World Boxing Association welterweight champion Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis took on a carnival atmosphere early yesterday morning before and after the "Albouystown cyclone" gave Guyana its first world boxing title. It was a time for rejoicing as the elderly, young and middle-aged shared the joy created by Lewis who knocked out American James Page in Las Vegas, United States on Saturday night. The persons who mattered most in the champion's career, were too overjoyed to say much yesterday, including his mother Yvonne who had a bittersweet experience. "I am proud of my son and firstly, I want to thank the father for bringing him through and wish him success in the future. I cannot say how I feel. I am overjoyed but I am sad that I did not get a visa to go and witness my son fight for the title which I know he would have won". She had applied twice to the U.S. embassy last year but without success. Lewis' elder brother, Samuel `Parrot' Marcus, always had confidence in his brother's ability. "I always know that `Sixhead' got de ability to win the title, he was hungry for it and just did it, he is 30 and I am 32, but he does knock more hard than me and gat moh guts". He added: " Against Mosley it would be more easy, as far as I know, Page knocks more hard than Mosley and De La Hoya." Rudolph `Duckie" Singh (shop owner) remembers well his association with the champ in his younger days. "I wish him well and hope that he at least fight about six more non-title fights before defending his title. I was there for him when he was an amateur and I will always be there for him. "Together with Compton Beckles, we assisted in making him what he is today". Duckie, as he is familiarly known, had sponsored Lewis for some time before he moved to the U.S. in 1996. Olga Wilkinson, another resident and mother of Jermaine Wilkinson who was shot and killed by the police two years ago, said "Sixhead bad, bad, bad, e went to de Olympics but ain't give we de gold medal, now e give we something better." Dexter Cumberbatch, a friend of Lewis, said: "It was no surprise to us in the ghetto, we knew he would have won his fight, we knew the tribulation he went through and now he is a champion". Paulette Younge, Lewis' peer, stated: "I like the fight and am happy for him, is GT so I must be happy, but I mad that the TV did not carry his full interview and I hope the government give him something tangible and build a boxing gym in Albouystown. Gail Henry, another friend, said: "I grew up with him and I think it was a well deserved victory for Guyana". Up to press time last evening, residents of the area were still celebrating in carnival fashion. Beer, rum, vodka and food were being consumed copiously. Strangers had to pay, but `Regulars' were treated as home boys/girls. Similar scenes enveloped the city immediately after Lewis was declared champion at around 12.30 a.m. Sunday morning. Cars roamed the streets tooting horns and some waved Guyana flags. The fight was shown on a large screen in Independence Boulevard in Albouystown where President Bharrat Jagdeo and his wife, along other government functionaries viewed the bout with several hundred fans and well wishers. Afterwards the President trekked the length of Sheriff Street to celebrate with fans who had gathered along the popular entertainment strip. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.