Their certification `Cards’ were uplifted from the president of the (IWF) Tamas Ajan on the occasion of the Pan American Games held in the Dominican Republic earlier this month. In addition to Pestano and Joseph-Letlow three men Sean Cozier, Colin McKoy and Deion Nurse were also certified by the international body.

The five now bring the total number of international referees in Guyana to seven, with Joseph Lee Lam and Aubrey Smith the others who are so recognized.

In a related development the GAWA has been invited to participate at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Savannah, Georgia, USA from the 2nd-9th of next month.

A five-member team has been selected and includes June Bell, Pestano, Joseph-Letlow, Colin McKoy (lifter/coach) and Deion Nurse (lifter/manager).