The Tribune

WHEN he assumed the role of presidency of the Boxing Federation Of Bahamas, Vincent Strachan said there were some important things that needed to be implemented.

One of those things was to have a good platform for technical development.

“To this end I instituted a certification programme for our local referees/ judges,” Strachan said yesterday. “This course was conducted by Mr James Beckles from Trinidad, a 3 star referee/judge.

“Although this was done in November, 2019, due to the pandemic and other problems, hence the delay, today, we are pleased to present the first of two certified officials with their certificates.”

Gregory McPhee and Stacy McPhee received their certificates and are now a part of 15 Bahamian certified officials who are eligible to officiate in the United States, the Caribbean and Canada.

They are now able to move to the next level of certified officials, according to Strachan. He said this was a requirement for all of the persons who want to be a referee/judge and the certification courses will be an ongoing effort to help our officials to become level one to three, or Internationally certified officials.

“We are preparing for a coach certification programme to build a team of coaches that would be able to participate at all levels of competition Internationally and locally,” Strachan said.

“While it may appear that nothing is happening with boxing, we are laying the foundation for a better boxing structure in the future for the Bahamas. The road to the next level is not a walk in the park but it is very important for us to get it done correctly the first time.”

The pair of certified officials received their certificates from Strachan and Wellington Miller, a long-time local official and immediate past president and advisor to the federation.