Guyana

Rifle shooting as a competitive sport is not new to Guyana. It dates back to the
early 1790’s and was formalized in 1865, with the establishment of the Demerara
Rifle Club. The latter became the British Guiana Rifle Association. Today it is
Guyana National Rifle Association.

The Demerara Rifle Club was formed by a Regiment of British Soldiers stationed in
the then British Guiana, and, was coordinated by the succession of British Troops
stationed in British Guiana thereafter. From the formation of the Rifle Club to
Independence, the organization responsible for the running of the club was
responsible for the running of the Club was variously named:

1. British Garrison (1878)
2. British Guiana Militia Volunteer Force (1891),
3. British Guiana Volunteer Force
4. Guyana Defence Force (1966).

Membership, categorized under individual and block members was opened to all
officers, non-commissioned officers and men on the active list of all local forces.
Eventually, it expanded to all residents in Guyana over the age of fifteen (15),
other than members of the active Force.

Initially, competitions were of two types- small bore rifle and full bore
competitions. However, there was a lull in small bore competition for several
years, which resulted from a shortage of ammunition. Happily, in 1992, the small
bore competition was re- introduced.

Originally, shooters, depending on their shooting ability, were categorized as ‘A’,
‘B’ or ‘C’ class, with ‘A’ class being the highest. However, if a shooter is selected
and participates in an international competition, he immediately becomes a
senior shooter and attain ‘X’ class rating. In keeping with the other countries, the
local Association now uses two classes: ‘A’ class identifies shooters who are
selected and participate in an international competition. They are referred to as
senior shooters. ‘B’ class identifies shooters who have not yet competed at
international competitions. They are also referred to as 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
organization.

Interest in the sport is still a far cry from what is desired but from 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 National Rifle Association has recorded win 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 for
among nations at Bisley- the mecca of rifle shooting in world.

Though female membership was still in 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 if 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,
medal and cups.

Initially, shooting took place at Thomas Lands Range. Veteran marksman 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 the 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 lodge at Police Stations or Military Armouries
for safe keeping.

Meanwhile, during the Second World War (1939- 1945), the American Military
stationed at the then Atkinson Field established the Atkinson Range (now Timehri
Rifle Range).

The Timehri Rifle Range is now controlled and maintained by the Guyana Defence
Force. It is acclaimed be to be advantageous only to experience riflemen,
particularly Guyanese, because of the peculiarities of its conditions.
In 1969, the Guyana Defence Force gave the members of the Rifle Association
permission to utilize the Range. This resumption, afforded the Guyanese Shooters
the desired practice to recommence participation at local and international
competitions.