The Tribune

THURSDAY 8.10PM UPDATE: Rommel Knowles has been elected president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee - full story HERE.

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Calling it a pleasure to have had the opportunity to serve for the past two terms as president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Wellington Miller - on the eve of the elections - has withdrawn his nomination to serve for another four years.

Miller, who took over from the late Sir Arlington Butler during the 2008 elections, was re-elected for his second term in 2013. However, he said because of a constitutional change, which prevents him for serving for a third term, he has decided to withdraw his nomination when the elections are held tonight in the Paul Farquharson Auditorium at the headquarters of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

As a result of what some of the membership perceived, Miller said he had previously accepted the nomination from the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation, of which he also serves as president.

He was to be challenged by his secretary general Romell 'Fish' Knowles and former Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' president Mike Sands.

He said their membership was always in the forefront as he "endeavoured to truly make the post of president about serving our athletes and all sporting federations. This is also a philosophy that the present executive board of the BOC has adopted, leading to unprecedented accomplishments in sports.

"We do not desire to lord over the sporting community. We merely desire to work toward the constant advancement of sports in The Bahamas, especially for the benefit of our youth."

But after they amended the constitution in 2012, Miller said the general assembly of the BOC voted to a two-term limit for the posts of president, secretary general, asst. secretary, treasurer and asst. treasurer.

"The executive board of the BOC and the majority of federations were of the view that the term limits under the new provisions would begin from the time that the amendment came into being," he said. "Recently, however, there has been a challenge to that interpretation. Those with a different interpretation have expressed the willingness to have this dispute settled in a court of law. Such an action would only have direct ramifications for myself and secretary general Romell Knowles, since we have both held our posts since 2008."

Miller said the executive board of the BOC is of the view that a court battle would be detrimental to sports in The Bahamas.

"This would certainly delay the administration of the Olympic movement in the country and, ultimately, disadvantage the many athletes depending on the orderly administration of affairs on their behalf," he said. "These were some of the clear outcomes of a similar legal battle that came amidst the 2008 election of BOC officers. Neither myself nor secretary Knowles can stand to see our beloved federations relive such a horrible experience."

After consultation with the executive board and several sporting federations, Miller said he decided, in the best interest of the sporting community, to withdraw from the race for president in the elections.

He noted that Knowles has disclosed his intention to withdraw his nomination as secretary general for the good of our member federations.

"These have been most difficult decisions but we are convinced that personal sacrifices must continue to be made if we are to be considerate leaders," he said.

Miller, however, said Knowles is still eligible to contest other positions as he was nominated for the post of president, and was wholeheartedly endorsed by Miller for this position.

"If elected, I am certain that he will serve with humility and with distinction," Miller stated. "I ask all federations to give him their support in the upcoming voting."

As for his withdrawal, Miller said he does so without any regrets.

"Once again, it has been my honour to serve, and I hope to be of assistance in the future wherever I can be helpful," he said. "My prayer is that the Olympic movement will grow from strength to strength, and that our people will find life-changing opportunities in sports."