The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson has provided the Bahamas Boxing Commission with a home. The commission will now be headquartered at the government community facility in the Carmichael constituency.
In furthering his "spirit of cooperation" concept, the minister has lived up to the promise of facilitating a home base for the commission. The Carmichael building will be used by the commission to conduct its affairs, by the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB) for training as well as other enthusiasts of mat sports such as judo and wrestling.
For the commission, it's the end of a long road of lobbying for a home base. Over the last 10 years, under several different executive administrations, the commission sought to be physically situated in an office space. However, although shuttled to three different buildings under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the commission was never able to officially begin conducting its business before being told that there was a change of plans.
In two instances, furniture items and computers to accommodate the commission in an office were actually purchased and provided. Yet the commissioners were ultimately left without a home. In steps, Minister Johnson and it's official, the commission has an office.
The building at the Carmichael facility is being speedily renovated and the commission should be operating by the end of the month from the new office. The development is at the ideal time for the commission. Apart from the regular duties mandated by the act that governs pro boxing in the country, the commission, as soon as the newly appointed executive meet formally, will begin to structure plans for a benevolent fund.
The undertaking of such, presents a huge challenge for the commission. Such a program is badly needed. The Benevolent Fund, once structured, will enable all registered members of the professional boxing community to begin to prepare for some form of financial assistance network.
The details will have to be worked out. The structure must be done right and receive the endorsement of the ministry before officially being put in place. However, the initiative is considered to be a landmark happening. It will be a turning point for those within the professional boxing family. With an office base, the handling of the project will be that much easier. The Benevolent Fund planning and other tasks before the commission in this 2012-2013 fiscal year will be formally addressed shortly when the first meeting of the new group is called.

o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

Minister propels pro boxing control body

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