The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DURING the week, the Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games took the opportunity to make amendments to a “human error” that occurred during the hosting of the top regional track and field competition here over the Easter holiday weekend.

Rosamunde Carey, the CEO of the games and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president, along with IAAF/NACAC Representative Pauline Davis-Thompson travelled to Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago to distribute the medals that were missing during the games.

Apparently, Carey had indicated that when the medals were shipped here prior to the start of the games, it wasn’t until the LOC started to sort them out that it was discovered that some of the medals were missing.

While they tried to track down the missing shipment, which would not have arrived here in time, she indicated that efforts were made to secure the additional medals elsewhere, but to no avail.

No doubt, it caused some embarrassment to the LOC and the reputation of the Bahamas, who had hosted the games without incident on seven previous occasions.

Although there were other countries affected, Carey said Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago had the most missing and so they made the trip there to present them.

It’s understood that the LOC is in discussion with countries where there is just one or two medals missing, to have them couriered by express mail. On Saturday at 1pm in the foyer of the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, the LOC intends to present the medals to the Bahamian athletes who didn’t receive them at the games.

Many people say it’s unacceptable what has happened at the games because the LOC should have had sufficient time to ensure that the medals were here.

Whatever the “human error” was, the LOC made the effort to correct their mistake. It may not have been when everybody expected it, but from all accounts, the countries in question accepted the efforts of the LOC to make amendments.

I’m sure this is going to be a valuable lesson learned, not only from the Bahamas but the other countries whenever they host such prestigious international events.

Boxing Elections

Knocked Out?

Last month, Vincent Strachan elected to serve as the president of the Amateur Boxing Federation of the Bahamas, returning to a position that he held about two decades ago.

However, there was validity to the process prior and during the annual general meeting that it is understood that the matter was brought before the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Director of Sports Timothy Munnings confirmed that the ministry was aware of allegations of “disorder” surrounding the elections that was held on April 21 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Munnings also disclosed that the ministry has since met with outgoing president Wellington Miller and newly elected president Strachan to express their concerns.

“As a consequence, it was recommended that these gentlemen convene a meeting with representatives of their organisation to discuss the way forward,” he stated.

He added that the ministry awaits the outcome of the meeting and further discussion with AIBA, their international governing body.

So are Ikenna Johnson and Michelle Minus.

It’s sweet music to both of their ears as they are vying to run for the top post and become the first female president. While Minus didn’t get the opportunity to run because her nomination was not accepted, Johnson lost 7-3 to Strachan during the elections.

Johnson, however, took the matter to the ministry and thus a meeting was called to get some clarification as to exactly what happened.

Both Miller and Strachan have indicated that since the meeting, they have been working on trying to comply with the ministry’s response and they are looking forward to an amicable agreement with all concerned.

Does this mean that the elections will be recalled and both Minus and Johnson get an opportunity to contest the seat?

Will they have new elections?

Obviously, amateur boxing needs an infusion or a revitalisation as many believe that the sport has been stagnant in recent times with very few boxers advancing to the next level.It has to start at the top with the administration and if the issue isn’t dealt with properly, the sport will continue to suffer because there is a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes.

Hopefully whenever the election issue is sorted out, the new administration will be able to reunite the clubs and the islands under one umbrella as they move forward.

Speedy Recovery Ford

Tribune Sports want to wish Eddie Ford a speedy recovery.

The sporting icon is resting at his homestead on Windsor Lane and is in need of your prayers and support of the nation.

As one of the country’s top sporting personalities, Ford has been a household name in basketball where he was the first Bahamian to score 100 points in a game, but he has been a power hitter who has hit countless home runs in baseball and softball.

Since retiring from playing, Ford has been actively involved as an umpire in softball, officiating at just about every level of competition from high school to the Bahamas Softball Federation’s Nationals.

Like he did during his playing days, Ford has made his presence felt as an umpire. We wish him every success in his road to recovery.