The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LONDON: After spending the past four "wonderful" years of as the Bahamas High Commissioner to London, Ed Bethel said his only regret is that he will miss the 16th International Amateur Athletic Federation's World Championships.

Bethel, who took office at the Bahama House on No.10 Chesterfield Street on December 17, 2012, demitted office on July 31 and is leaving England today, the same day that the championships get underway at the Olympic Stadium.

"It was an absolute honour to have served my country in London as High Commissioner and to represent the Bahamas, as non-representative to the European Union and other countries," Bethel said.

"It's been the most wonderful time of my life. I made some impact on our country and now I'm looking forward to going home to relax for a while and then think about what my next chapter will be."

An ardent traveller and writer - with a background in journalism at the Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation (ZNS) - Bethel said he's looking forward to meeting and encouraging people of all ages in the Bahamas.

Normally whenever national teams travel to England, one of the stops they do is at Bahamas House, which the team did at the 2012 Olympic Games under Pul Farquharson, who was serving at the time as the British High Commissioner.

Bethel said he's disappointed that he didn't get to entertain this year's team.

"I thought I would be here for the IAAF Championships. I've never seen a World Championships, but unfortunately we are not in office," he said.

"My time has come to an end. The games open on the day that we depart.

"I would have stayed over if we were not leaving on that date. If I had a little more contact with the authorities at home as to when things were going to happen, we night have stayed on a little longer. But we sail out the same time that the championships get underway."

As the 24-member team gets set to compete over the next nine days as Bethel and his wife, Dawn, set sail back to the Bahamas, he wished Team Bahamas every success.

"I pray that they get the gold and that there will be a lot of good stories coming from the team," he insisted. "I wish that I was here to cheer them on. I really wish that.

"But I know there's the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium will be used over the years and I haven't been to that one yet.

"I was away when it was opened. But I'm looking forward to being involved and I'm willing to help if I'm asked to help.

"I don't want to impose myself on anybody."

As the first junior champion in high school sports in the 800 metres, Bethel said he clearly remembers when he attended St John's College and he defeated former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Kendal Nottage from Government High.

"That was in 1954. I'm bragging about myself," said Bethel of his former days.

Looking at the performances of the athletes today, Bethel said it's so sad that the current athletes coming to Europe to compete or those who are on professional contracts are not given the proper protocol from the government.

"I don't know why that is so, but with me going back home, I will be able to let the BAAA and the sporting leaders know when these athletes compete here that we need to encourage them," he said.

Bethel said most people only know the Bahamas High Commission office when they need help, but they should inform them when they are competing do that they can support them with a Bahamian group in the stands.

"So hopefully when I get home, I can spread the word," he said. "It's not just about running, jumping and throwing. It's life. Sports is life. No education is complete without sports."

Bethel, 78, said he and his wife of 30 years had a good group of talented, professional staff that he will leave behind for Commissioner of Police Elliston Greenslade, who is expected to replace him.

"The most memorable experience of me and my wife is that we have made many wonderful friends around the world and we cherish our days here and we will always love this place," he stressed.

"It was an experience beyond measure and I enjoyed every moment of it."