Minister referees heated row with BAAA executives

Wed, Nov 27th 2013, 10:27 AM

As internal conflict continues to rise in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson has stepped into the ring to referee, hoping to bring resolution to the problems within the organization.
It was important for Johnson, who represents the Government of The Bahamas, to intervene before the world governing body for athletics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) does. Johnson met with all parties on Monday in a meeting in his office. The meeting was called after several executives were served. The Supreme Court granted an injunction which stopped executives from carrying out the suspension of BAAA President Mike Sands, and an annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday.
"We had a wonderful meeting on Monday with the BAAA and the executives," said Johnson. "We've aired our differences, and we were able to look at country first and the good of the sporting community. They had some areas where there was a lack of communication and mutual understanding. I think that we have bridged that gap and at the end of the day, it was a very fruitful meeting, wonderfully resolved.
"A decision to work together in harmony was made, and they are proceeding along those lines. From now on, they will be working together as one. It is a philosophical thing where you had two groups or slates that ran, and now you have both persons from all two of the slates in there. What is happening now, all two slates have come together and agreed that they will work together, so it is really a wonderful thing."
On November 14, 2012, Sands was elected BAAA president, beating out Iram Lewis and past President Curt Hollingsworth for the position. Sands collected 36 votes, Lewis 23 and Hollingsworth 14.
Lewis then ran for first vice president. He and his slate were successful in their bids, leaving Sands as the only man standing on his slate. Months after the election, a vote of no confidence was moved on Lewis, Carl Oliver and Harrison Petty, which removed the trio from the executive board. A judge ruled that Lewis, Oliver and Petty be reinstated and the organization carry on with their duties. That was the beginning of the long saga within the organization.
Johnson said: "Track and field is the most visible federation and it is an important demonstration as to the spirit of sports and what should be done, or the administration of sports as we go ahead and host world-class and international events. We have to take another look at it and make sure that the administration of the federation has the full appearance of being just, fair and true to the cause. The sport remains intact.
"I wasn't worried because if we could not come to an agreement then the government would have had to step in. It is a partnership that we have, they are the host federation and we are the host country. We take our responsibilities very seriously. When federations are not functional and go into disputes, it is always disruptive. What you want to do is meet and have some compromise, have a meeting of the mind and have free and fair private discussions. You need to air out your differences and work together trying to find out what is the main thing that you are there to do. When you do, you must work towards it. The main thing must remain the main thing. We are here to promote and produce good national teams."
All court matters are expected to be dropped in the upcoming weeks, as Johnson believes all executives are now on one accord. The sporting minister also confirmed that the government and the IAAF are working together, partnering with the BAAA to ensure that the inaugural World Relays is a success.

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