The International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), as has been warned, has gotten into the nasty fight that is going on between two factions of executives in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA).
This is happening finally and for a good reason. The BAAA executive battle has now reached into track and field communities and media organizations all over the world. Particularly as it pertains to our region, there is great concern. This was never more evident than on Monday past when Sports Max Zone contacted me to be interviewed by lead host Simon Crosskill.
Sports Max Zone is the most important and influential television sports program in the Caribbean region and comparable to the best throughout the world. Crosskill expressed deep interest in the row and our interview went out to millions.
The IAAF is headed by Lamine Diack. President Diack, a native of Senegal, is a good friend of The Bahamas. He is a man of order.
So indeed, the time is definitely right for an intervention by the IAAF. At a Monday meeting reportedly called the by minister of youth, sports and culture, those attending were advised to urgently make a decision to reach a compromise so that the business of the BAAA could go on unimpeded. Reportedly coming out of the meeting was information that the IAAF deemed it necessary to send in a draft constitution it wishes for all member federations to subscribe to.
The BAAA is right in the middle of the planning of the IAAF Inaugural World Relays of 2014. The infighting threatens to stigmatize the signature sports event and understandably there is concern within the IAAF and of course, the Government of The Bahamas.
Johnson made his call for peace and as to how long this truce will be adhered too is anybody's guess. My understanding is that there were those, who, when Johnson put out the question, did not feel the two sides could work together. A preference for a vote of no confidence and new elections was expressed and supported by a few, I was told.
However, the truce proposal view carried the day.
Once the sides have thoroughly examined the IAAF draft constitution, the idea is for them to come together again and hopefully make a joint decision on the next step. A big question going forward is whether there are those who are bent on operating outside of the truce arrangements.
If this is the case, the impasse between the executive factions will persist. Accordingly, the IAAF and the Government of The Bahamas will be prompted to take stronger roles.
An ideal conclusion by both sides would be for the elected officials to operate strictly according to the elections results at the general assembly of November 2012. Such a decision would undoubtedly bring about an uneasy peace at best.
Nevertheless, it is a scenario would be the sensible route, in my view. I believe Diack and his IAAF executive colleagues would want that to be the case. So, would the Government of The Bahamas, I think.

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

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