History of the Guyana National Rifle Association

junior shooters.

At international competitions, shooters are categorized ‘O’ or ‘X’ class depending on their shooting ability. ‘X’ class is higher. The association is entirely responsible for the selection of teams competing in local and international meetings. As a result, teams competing do so in the name of Guyana or the West Indies and not in the name of any particular club or organisation.

Interest in the sport is still a far cry from what is desired but from the inception of the sport, the Guyanese standard of rifle shooting has been exceptional. There have been outstanding performances in local and international competitions.

The association, boosted by past greats and current shooters, has maintained high standards, while a pool of talent is being developed to carry on the tradition.

The Guyana NRA has recorded wins for every trophy put up for competition among Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and effective 1989, Bermuda. These trophies include, Anchor Challenge Cup (Benson and Hedges Trophy), Martinez Shield and Swettenham Trophy to name a few.

The association also competed and recorded wins for the Duke of Gloucester Trophy, which is controlled by the National Rifle Association (NRA) Great Britain and competed among other nations at Bisley - the Mecca of rifle shooting in world.

Though female membership was still infrequent, Guyana boasted a few greats. They not only made a name for themselves locally, competing among the males, but also managed to be members of teams which competed for the Anchor Challenge Cup and the Duke of Gloucester Cup at Bisley.

Members of the association won individual events and were awarded prizes, medals and cups.

Initially, shooting took place at the Thomas Lands range. Veteran marksmen claimed the windy situation at the Thomas Land range was responsible for the range being classified as the best in the Caribbean. Some even said that it was better than Bisley.

On the 7th July, 1964, rifle shooting was temporarily suspended because the rifle range was taken over by the Military and it is now part of Camp Ayanganna. An ‘Arm Call-in-Order ‘was subsequently issued by the Governor and ever since, when not in use, the rifles must be lodged at Police Stations or Military Armouries for safe keeping. FLASHBACK! Former President of Guyana Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (center) with former Jamaica shooter Bobby Brent (right) and another Caribbean marksman.