By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
May 23, 2001

The pattern continued in Linden yesterday as persons from all walks of life downed tools to greet the WBA welterweight champion Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis.

The champion was forced to go the full distance in a sustained effort to complete a marathon autograph session and meet as many of the adoring Lindeners as possible.

The mining town sprang to life around 11:30 a.m. as the Lewis motorcade rolled through its streets. Classes were disrupted at schools and workers, including nurses, gleefully left offices to greet the man who has put this country firmly on the sporting map of the world.

The motorcade was forced to halt on several occasions while passing some of the town's schools as teachers and students seized the chance to get autographs, take pictures and touch the local hero.

The welcome, Lewis said, had bettered one received the previous day outside the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in Georgetown.

"Maybe it's because they didn't carry me to schools in Georgetown. The children here kept shouting Six, Six. I love that name. It's the best in the world. I thank God for being here and hopes he bless all the people from Linden," Lewis said.

While in Linden Lewis was guest of honour at a ceremony where he was given the key to the town, presented by Mayor of Linden Stan Smith.

He even refereed an exhibition bout between two youths from the Young Lions Boxing Gym. In a short address Smith said that Lewis' winning of the title had united Guyana.

"We need to have more victories. If we do our country will move forward with a rapid pace," Smith said. The champion then tried his hand at dancehall toasting which was well received by the appreciative crowd.

He made a short visit to Young Lions, Linden's only boxing gym where, after inspection, requested that a ring be installed and equipment donated.

Ministerial Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba, who labeled Lewis' achievement "the single most important activity that has happened to this country outside of independence" promised that equipment would be made available within 30 days through the President's Youth Choice Programme.

Lumumba urged the students to stay in school and reminded them that `Sixhead's success came through dedication and commitment.

After lunch at the Watooka Guest House, Lewis was presented with a trophy by the Public Relations Officer of Linmine Clyde Walcott. From there it was off to the Cuffy Square to entertain with some of his dancehall skills.

Today Lewis visits Baracara, Shanklands and Bartica. This evening he will attend a reception hosted by the President.