Stabroek News
May 16, 2001

Guyana's world boxing champion Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis' much anticipated homecoming endured a setback yesterday in New York and has been pushed by one day after flight problems caused the 'Albouystown Cyclone' some anxious moments.

His manager Nelson Fernandez told Stabroek Sport yesterday that the suspension of GA2000's operations almost jeopardised the visit of Lewis and his entourage to Guyana until North American Airlines saved the day by offering to provide three tickets to Lewis to travel tomorrow instead of today as was originally planned.

Lewis and his entourage were due to be flown home by the national airline today but after the abrupt suspension of its operations, Fernandez said he could not have been guaranteed an early flight back to the United States via any transfer to the other carriers available.

Fernandez said he cannot stay longer than this weekend in Guyana and neither are the other key members of the entourage comprising the fighter's three trainers.

However, North American Airlines stepped in late yesterday and offered three tickets which would facilitate Lewis's handlers returning to the U.S. on Saturday.

Tomorrow's flight is set to touch down at Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 3.35 p.m., a press release from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport stated.

Lewis' mother Yvonne, sister Laren, his girlfriend and son are among the party which will accompany the World Boxing Association welterweight champion.

As a result of the delayed arrival, changes have been made to the programme of activities planned by the Ministry, beginning with Lewis' arrival at CJ International Airport.

The WBA champion is to be greeted with a steel band welcome at the airport and by Government officials as well as members of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control.

His original itinerary comprised activities on all 11 days of his visit including a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo and a welcome in Albouystown in Georgetown where he was born and bred.

Lewis is scheduled to leave Guyana on Tuesday May 29 instead of the 27th. (Steve Ninvalle)