Jairam (only name) was elected president when the Guyana Draughts Association held its fourth Annual General Meeting at their venue 185 Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg recently.
The other executive members are Patrick DeFreitas, vice president, Mintra Persaud, secretary, Charles Hetemeyer, treasurer and newcomer, Anthony Leonard, Organising secretary.
Mark Brathwaite and Wayne Forde are the trustees. Other members are Balleram Ramdeen, Marlyn Ali, Glenrick Jardine, Troy Griffith, Khemraj Pooranmall and Elias Gentle.
The association said it plans to get the game into the schools; to make amendments to some of the association rules; to organize fund raising ventures and to stage two major tournaments this year.
Veteran champion Elton Lambert was awarded a medal for his outstanding performances over the years in the ‘A’ division. Ill health has however prevented him from competing in recent games. It was also suggested that an approach be made to the Minister of Sports and the Ministry of Education to launch the game in the schools with Leonard tasked with that responsibility. Draughts is a part of the school’s curriculum in Suriname and Trinidad just to name a few.
Jairam plans for the discipline to progress and become one of the top sports disciplines under his stewardship.
Guyana has over the past two years, participated in an ongoing an exchange programme with Suriname.
According to Jairam, the involvement of the members in helping to manage the association will be crucial to the development of the sport this year.
