Innis Fancis
Desmond Retess is no ordinary native of Princes Town. The 62-year-old former instrument and electronic technician of the Ste Madeline Sugar Factory in Caroni found his niche in bodybuilding after the closure of the company in 2003.
Retess said he was born and raised in the tranquil community and began his professional bodbuilding career in 1981. He competed in the Middleweight Championships and successfully made the finals then, but was never fortunate to retain a title. The highest he ever placed was third.
Retess retired from the sport at the age of 50. He said he opted out of competitions because the effort he poured into the sport and the sacrifices he made did not give him adequate returns in any way.
Retess has been operating his own gym in Princes Town—Fitness Connection Gym—for the past 15 years. What is unique about the community gym which he operates is the "old-school version", where he works with people of varied body types using raw weights for a favourable outcome, unlike the high-tech gyms that use digital equipment.
Retess said, "Closure of the sugar factory did me good. This has caused me to become diverse in working for my community and myself. I have had my challenges operating in Princes Town, but I overcome those.
"I give back by applying my years of experience and being recognised through certification by the International Federation of Bodybuilding. I give back to my community; I offer to speak at seminars, help people through personal training to suit their body type, and visit and lecture at schools on the topic of keeping healthy."