Pan-Am boxing team manager refused US visa
By Clyde Pestano
Stabroek News
March 22, 2003
Manager of Guyana’s Pan-Am boxing team Jimmy Ramnarayan has been refused an in-transit visa to attend the championships scheduled for La Paz, Mexico from March 28 - April 3.
Ramnarayan explained that he was refused on the grounds that he was an intended immigrant. Accord-ing to the manager, he has six children and his business, in Georgetown, and he could not understand why the official at the embassy feels that he would want to `abscond’.
The rest of the team is due to depart Guyana on Monday for the championships provided that they can raise US$8775 which is needed for tickets and other expenses.
Ramnarayan who was visibly upset, revealed that super heavyweight Eusi Watkins and middleweight Rayon O’Neil had secured one-month visas, while light welterweight Dwayne Crandon should get his on Monday. Crandon was asked to get a new passport after the one he gave the embassy was deemed damaged.
The team and officials, who sought visas Thursday from the embassy included three boxers and two officials.
According to Ramnarayan, Coach Lennox Daniels is already in possession of a US visa since he had secured one prior to this event.
Ramnarayan, speaking on behalf of the team and the GABA is appealing to the government through the Minister of Culture Youth & Sport for financial assistance. He mentioned that the GABA tried to borrow the money needed from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) but they were unsuccessful.
The manager said that the GABA is cash-strapped and were appealing for help because the team management feels that this team of boxers, if given the chance, would eventually medal at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Ramnarayan stated that the boxers have been in training approximately seven months now and were a bit disappointed that he could not be a part of the team.
The manager also disclosed that BWIA had been generous enough to keep in reserve their seats in the event that the team is cleared to travel and the relevant finance is forthcoming.
