Malabar boxing academy’s future in doubt

PERSONNEL from the Arima Borough Corporation (ABC) came on Monday to evict members of the Holistic Boxing Academy. A few weeks ago, the academy and its founder Jarel Nunes 23, were highlighted as they embarked upon the new initiative for the residents of Malabar Phase 1, Arima.

On Tuesday, Nunes confirmed he was visited by the ABC at the academy’s headquarters at Norman Kristow Park, Banyan Boulevard. When asked if the equipment was removed by the Corporation, Nunes said, “It wasn’t done. They came to move it today but it remains as is for now. They asked if I had paperwork and I told them no.”

Nunes, however, said he was not discouraged by the threat to remove the boxing ring, “I’m not you know. I know that these things may come up but I’m going to continue.”

Councillor for Malabar North Lynette Ramcharan, in whose area the academy resides, was very vocal on the matter. “I have nothing against the initiative. I consider what the young man did as noble but we (council) have to protect the assets of the corporation as well.

“You cannot walk into the assets of the Corporation and do as you please. You need approval. You need to follow the rules. Rules are made to have law and order. The wrong thing is the wrong thing. It was birthed with wrong guidance.

“If one of the branches breaks and damages someone, who is going to take responsibility? They have the tires tied to an almond tree. What about the aesthetics of the park? Initially, they had short pieces of steel buried in the ground with caution tape, if that is assumed to be a boxing ring.”

“I don’t know if they are using the right gear. If someone was to fall on one of those pieces of iron, what would be the talk then? Had the correct protocols been followed and observed, this would not be happening now. People would be looking for compensation from the ABC but they didn’t give approval. We have to stand up for integrity. He should have been guided in the correct direction. There is a chairman of the parks and one for sports (also councillors). Those same people should have guided the young man in the right way.”

Helen Anderson who lives opposite the boxing ring was extremely supportive of the initiative. “It is a nice thing for the youths. I have no problem with it. I have a son who use to box as well and I told him that he should go and help them with training.”

Johsua Martin has been living in the area for 20 years and he too was pleased with what he was seeing, “It very good. Keep the youths occupied. I like how it has brought the community together. I have seen people who I hardly see outside coming to some of the training. Even the women are coming out to exercise their aerobics”

The Holistic Boxing Academy trains approximately ten boxers, who are training with the intention of competing and 15 who come to box for general fitness and self-defence purposes.