The Gymnastics Federation of the Bahamas held its annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 14 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel. in addition to the federation’s executive committee, romell knowles of the bahamas olympic committee and kevin colebrook from the ministry of youth, sports and culture were in attendance. Although there was a small turn out of members, both the Bahamas Gymnastics Parent Booster Club and the Nassau ‘Nastics were represented. The financial and president’s report for the year were presented.
Following that, elections were held. The member clubs came to a unanimous decision regarding election of officers. Three positions remained unchanged: that of president, Barbara Thompson; vice president, Cora Hepburn; and secretary-general, Trevor Ramsey. After the resignation of treasurer Jennifer Roach for personal reasons, Nikita Thompson Wells was nominated and approved for that post.
The newly re-elected federation president, Barbara Thompson, said: “We are pleased that the member clubs came to a unanimous decision on the slate as we move forward. It shows that we are able to work together in the best interest of the sport. “We welcome Mrs Nikita Thompson-Wells on board as the new treasurer, after Mrs Jennifer Roach stepped down. Mrs Roach’s commitment to the sport remains steadfast however, and her assistance in continuing to develop gymnastics here will still be most welcome.”
The group mandated a 90 day period within which to amend its constitution, with a view to adding three additional executive posts. A second vice president, an assistant secretary and another treasurer are under consideration. New appointees will also be selected to represent the member clubs on the executive committee.After presentation of the financial report, several questions were raised. There was much discussion about why the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture had once again denied the Gymnastics Federation its annual grant.
While the GFB had been promised these funds, none have been received since 2008. It was noted that advancements in the sport of gymnastics here have been substantial. With additional support, all present agreed, much more could have been accomplished. There was also concern about prior expenditures for the design and planning of a National Gymnastics Training Centre.
It was affirmed that the federation remains vigilant in its quest to build such a facility and will continue to pursue this. The meeting was adjourned with hopes set high for the future of gymnastics in the Bahamas. In addition to the numerous competitions that GFB gymnasts participate in abroad, plans for attending the CAC Games (Central America and Caribbean Games) in 2014 were initiated. The Atlantis Crown Invitational, set for December 14 –16 on Paradise Island, was also discussed.
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