Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard talks about the Sports Authority being autonomous.
It ought to be. Is it really though?
In this space two Saturdays ago, readers were informed that the long-awaited Sports Authority was finally in place and functioning. It is headed by Chairman Leroy Archer who has no direct sports background to speak of, and top-line sports administrator Anton Sealey, who is the deputy.
I pointed out that the role would be challenging for Archer because now he has to go through a learning process in sports. This is absolutely necessary if he is ever going to do justice to the position of chairman. There is, however, a greater challenge for Archer, Sealey and company.
Under the present Act that was established with the Sports Authority Bill of 2010, will there be real autonomy? In part, the schedule of the National Sports Authority of The Bahamas begs that question.
Readers and particularly those who are directly connected with the national sporting landscape are urged to properly examine the Act. I've looked at the Act and knowing how our system works, there is reason to seriously doubt whether Archer, Sealey and the rest of the Sports Authority will ever be able to do the business at hand without interference or outside influence.
The act says the Sports Authority "shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal with power to purchase, take, hold and dispose of land and other property of whatever kind, to enter into contracts, to sue and be sued in the said name and to do all things necessary for the purposes of this act."
However, the minister (of sports) may by order, amend the schedule. Yes, by Official Order, the minister could indeed shift the power base of the Sports Authority. Is this autonomy?
The Sports Authority has the power to appoint its staff including a general manager, a deputy general manager and "other officers whose responsibilities will include finance, administration, operations, facility maintenance, safety, marketing, public relations, sanitation and environmental services, plus a director of security who shall be charged with the maintenance of the security of the center".
This can only be done however "after consultation with the minister".
The Act also provides that the Sports Authority, without prejudice "may construct, alter and maintain buildings at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre; grant leases, or other concessions in respect of land or buildings in the possession of the Authority in such terms and conditions and subject to the payment of rent or other consideration as the Authority may think it; may enter into agreements with sporting federations for the benefit of a particular sport."
The Act enables the Sports Authority to impose charges, fees for the use of the stadium and the sports center and its facilities, but "subject to the approval of the minister, by order published in the Gazette".
Is this real autonomy? Then, get this.
Under the heading "Minister may give Directions" the Act clearly states that the "Minister may give to the Authority directions of a general or of a specific nature as to the policy to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions as appear to the minister to be requisite in the public interest and the Authority shall give effect to such directions."
Let's think about this for a moment. You could very well have people steeped in sports understanding like Sealey, Original Golden Girl Eldece Clarke and Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) President/Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas President Wellington Miller, being given directions by Minister Maynard, whose own sports background is very limited.
By no means do I intend to slight the minister. It is important though, to put these underlying factors out there. The Sports Authority is intended to be a very serious body, the most significant one in the country, as our sports industry continues to blossom. Hopefully the system will not turn it into a farce with sports ministers, permanent secretaries and others interfering or holding the Authority hostage from time to time.
To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com.

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