By Troy Peters
A new modernized Rifle shooting Complex may soon be on the cards as the famous Timehri Rifle ranges could be making way for an Eco-Park at Yarrowkabra at Soesdyke Linden, Highway.
This disclosure was made by Ryan Sampson, long-serving Secretary of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
Sampson said the Timehri Range which has been managed by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) over the years and the venue for many international championships hosted by the GNRA may close as early as May this year to facilitate the establishment of the Eco-Park.
According to Sampson, plans for the modern shooting Range Complex was put forward to the GNRA by Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali who is also Patron of the Association during a meeting with its Executive members.
“President Ali offered to assist the Association in the construction of the Complex which will facilitate different types of shooting including Air Rifle, Clay Shooting, Olympic style, IPSC shooting and small bore among other disciplines,” Sampson disclosed.
THE GNRA Secretary said both President Ali and Minister of Sport Charles Ramson have pledged full support in helping the association to realise its plans for the Complex.
He added that Executives of the Association have already visited at least four sites on the Soesdyke Linden Highway as possible venues for the venture.
“At present the national rifle shooting team in preparing at the facility for the West Indies fullbore shooting championship to be hosted by Antigua in May and permission was given by the Chief of Staff of the GDF Brigadier Godfrey Bess who is also President of the GNRA after it was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sampson added.
He said the location is also now being populated by farmers making the areas in close proximity to the facility unsafe.
The Timehri facility established in 1960 after rifle shooting was removed from its former location at Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands has been earmarked to host the regional tournament next year.
“Guyana is schedule to host the WI fullbore shooting championships next year and it will entail a lot of work if we still be able to access the range,” Sampson who is also Secretary of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council revealed.
The Smallbore section of the Association is also in a facility crunch with the smallbore range at the TSU Eve Leary out of operations due renovations work being done at the Police Complex.
Sampson said the smallbore shooters have been able to practice at the GDF range at Camp Stephenson and at Timehri but once the TSU facility is completed they can enjoy an upgraded range there.
The GNRA is one of the oldest sports associations in Guyana having been established since 1867.
