Sue Ann Henriques - File

The local Manchester Rifle and Pistol Club (MPRC), based in Mandeville, is loaded with joy, after one of its members, female shooter Sue Ann Henriques, was singled out for mention in the recently released January-February (2013) edition of 'Front Sight'.

Front Sight is considered one of the main publications for the sport of shooting, as it is the official journal for the both the United States Practical Shooting Association and the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC).

toughest tournament

The achievement, which came by way of a photograph, included the caption, 'Sue Henriques, pride of Jamaica'. The article, titled 'On top of the world', detailed the winning campaign of World Champion Blake Miguel, as it reviewed last year's October US Nationals held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The US Nationals is seen as the toughest tournament outside of the IPSC World Shoot, held every two years.

Henriques was captured in action competing as part of a 23 female complement, among a strong 250 open field. Henriques finished 11th overall, and finished tops in her currenttly ranked C-class. Chairman of MRPC and Sue Ann's coach, Orville Henriques, was naturally elated.

"Truth cannot be hidden," Henriques told Star Sports. "It means we at the MRPC are doing something good and the world is taking notice."

While she seldom competes at any other ranges locally, she is widely recognised as the best of the female shooters. She regularly dominates the male field at MRPC tournaments and began the year with a bang, finishing second overall to Orville Henriques at that club's first major tournament of the year.

A generally reserved person, Henriques was elated with the attention.

"I was surprised to see my photo in the journal as I am usually not a person who loves the limelight. But what this means is I have to take it seriously because others are taking notice."

Orville Henriques believes Sue Ann's new-found attention will serve to establish MRPC. He revealed that the club, which runs a major range in Lincoln, Manchester, was created to provide exposure for shooters who were either not privileged, or could not otherwise afford to join the Jamaica Rifle Association. Today, it has grown to cater to over 200 members from all over the island. It now has a set calendar of events, featuring monthly matches, and four quarterly tournaments dubbed Street Gun Championships, as well as a Christmas edition titled Rappa Pam Pam.

'It means we at the MRPC are doing something good and the world is taking notice.'