Despite overcast conditions and light drizzle in and around the Plaisance area on Tuesday, hundreds of villagers including school children were on hand to give Guyana’s World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight champion a warm welcome home.
Braithwaithe was showered with praises at a special congratulatory ceremony at the Plaisance Market Square by among others, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Gail Teixeira, president of the Dorcas Club, Beryl Haynes, Chairman of Plaisance/Industry District Council, Thomas Sandiford and former Attorney General and former president of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Bernard Dos Santos.
Opposition leader Desmond Hoyte was also present.
Braithwaithe’s motorcade was expected to arrive in the village of Plaisance at around 2.45p.m. but the party did not show up until 3.20p.m. However, school children from St. Paul’s Primary, Plaisance Primary and St. John’s CHS braved the weather and lined the route leading from the East Coast Public road to the Line Top from as early as 2p.m.
The welcome ceremony was the initiative of Ms. Haynes and was organised by the Plaisance Action Committee (PAC).
After an opening prayer by Pastor Mahadeo Ramsupaul, Ms. Haynes welcomed the special invitees and non-Plaisancians to the village.
Minister Teixeira said 2002 was a good year for Guyana in terms of sports and made reference to Commonwealth Games women’s 400-metre gold medalist Aliann Pompey, Braithwaithe and Harris.
Teixeira alluded to the fact that a country so small (in terms of population) can produce world champions. She urged Braithwaithe to continue to do well.
Master of ceremonies and popular television talk show host Basil Bradshaw said he was heartened by the large turn out of villagers despite the threat of rain.
Sandiford in his remarks, congratulated Braithwaithe on his achievement on behalf of the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council and his own behalf.
Sandiford used the occasion to declare opposition leader Hoyte an adopted son of Plaisance, much to the approval of the hundreds that had gathered.
“History has been created for Plaisance and Sparendaam and the whole of Guyana, when our boy Wayne brought us the honour of being the first Plaisancian to attain this high heights of being a world champion.” Sandiford remarked.
It is Sandiford’s desire that Braithwaithe will remain champion for years to come “and may those two big hands with the power of a big truck, eliminate all opponents in the years to come.” Sandiford charged.
The former Director of Sport (Sandiford) also offered congratulations to `Vicious’ Vivian Harris for winning the IBA and WBA junior welterweight titles, eight days after Braithwaithe.
Harris, who was expected to be a part of Tuesday’s celebrations, was absent because of other commitments.
To the young people present on Tuesday, Sandiford said if they aspire to be like Braithwaithe and Harris, they must be disciplined, well focused and exercise great determination to succeed.
Former junior welterweight world title contender, Lennox Blackmore, who represented Harris at the home coming, thanked the villagers for coming out and showing their appreciation.
Andrew Ismond, Braithwaithe’s personal friend called on Braithwaithe to continue to train hard and secure more victories for Guyana.
Roy Braithwaithe, Wayne’s uncle, urged Wayne to continue his good work and go on to become the first ever world champion for the Caribbean.
Dos Santos admitted that he tried to get away from the pleasantries since he had met Braithwaithe prior to Tuesday’s activity and wanted to give someone else the opportunity of addressing the gathering.
Dos Santos, who moved from Plaisance 14 years ago, however, said he was especially proud to be a Plaisancian on Tuesday and moreso on the night of Braithwaithe’s victory.
“Keep this title secure and sound and grow from strength to strength and maybe, you’re young and still growing and will go up in weight, and one day you will win the heavyweight title and bring it back right here.” DeSantos stated.
Braithwaithe received gifts from Ms. Haynes on behalf of world renowned artist Eddie Grant and a committee member, while Leslyn Halley (Ms. Dorcas Club 2002) presented Blackmore with gifts for Harris and his fiancee.
A billboard bearing a portrait of Braithwaithe was unveiled at Plaisance Line Top, obliquely opposite the famous ‘Pro Shop’.