In the absence of Mayor Stan Smith and Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo, the two local boxing heroes were welcomed first by the Deputy Mayor who spoke glowingly of the champions. She lauded their achievements, saying it really has been a plus and boost for the country.

And in presenting the keys to Linden Town to the two world champions, the Deputy Mayor said, “You have demonstrated the Guyanese aggressiveness, Guyanese zeal and commitment and achievement and on that score tiny Guyana is on the world map of sports.”

She also praised the team of trainers, Lennox Blackmoore and Colin Morgan, and the other personnel who were responsible for the boxers’ great achievements and rise to the status of world champions, saying the rest of Guyana is proud of them, but Lindeners are especially proud of them.

She apologised for the absence of Mayor Stan Smith and other councillors but wished the boxing champions an enjoyable stay in the town. Two certificates were presented to the boxers by Deputy Mayor Claudette Martin-Smartt before they left for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building where Vice-Chairman Joy Walton and other councillors greeted them on their arrival.

Vice-Chairman Walton also extended a hearty welcome to the boxers and apologised for Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo's absence through illness. She remarked that they were heroes of the Guyanese nation.

The stop at the RDC boardroom saw Braithwaite and Harris doing the honours of presenting the bursary awards to the top SSEE students after which they took a photo opportunity with the proud children and their parents.

Certificates were also presented to the Guyanese champions. The Deputy Chairman told the students, “I know they (Braithwaite and Harris) were once little children like you and they had to work very hard to get where they are today. I know we are happy for them because they have made us proud."

The Vice-Chairman also made it clear that the champions had beside them their trainers and managers who guided them and compared them to the teachers of the students.

After leaving the RDC they had a walk through the Mackenzie Market where groups of children and curious individuals all had a chance to view the two world champions.

The entourage, which also included Braithwaite’s Public Relations Consultant, Wayne Bristol, and Vivian’s father, Herman Harris, had lunch at Barrow's Restaurant and Lounge before journeying to Wismar, where they had their best chance to interact with a rapt audience of eager young boxers at the Young Lions Gym. The world champions gave encouragement to the enthusiastic pugilists, explaining their work ethic and the rough climb to the top.

Former Commonwealth champion, Lennox Blackmoore, who trains Harris also made a promise to donate a set of boxing equipment to the Young Lions Boxing Gym. The visitors were all impressed with the work being done by coach Dirk Alexander.

President Jagdeo hosts reception for world champions
GUYANA’S two top government executives, President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, interacted with the country’s two latest boxing heroes, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite and ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris at the presidential reception at the Umana Yana, Friday evening.

After a tour of the bauxite town of Linden yesterday, the boxers were later hosted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control at Cara Inn, Pere Street, Kitty.

Today, the world champions will be at the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph. At 15:00 hrs they will meet fellow sportspersons at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and in the evening they will attend a cultural extravaganza staged in their honour at the National Park.

Tomorrow, the boxers journey to Bartica and will visit at least one tourist resort.