RECONCILED

There should be some return to normalcy in the operations of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Amateur Bodybuilding, Power Lighting and Fitness Federation (SVGABPFF).{{more}}

Part of the way was cleared last Saturday afternoon, when the Federation’s President Korean Williams, and Treasurer Desmond Matthews, representatives of some of the local gyms, a few body builders, and a couple of interested persons met at the Conference Room of the National Sports Council at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, in another attempt to resuscitate the Federation.

Coming out of last Saturday’s meeting was a motion to stage elections on Saturday, March 12, for a new Executive to serve for the next two year term.

The elections are set for the Fitness Quest Gym at Villa, and it will be the first time the Federation will be conducting elections since 2004.

The SVGABPFF was embroiled in controversy for the past two years over the legality of the national body.

Dissatisfied with the Williams led Executive, a group of persons attached to the sport met March 4, 2009, at the Doris Mc Kie Resource Centre at Cane Hall and elected an “Executive”.

Among those elected were President – Steve Victory, Treasurer – John Mc Lean, Secretary- Vaughn Martin, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer- Shannel Nanton, Public Relations Officer- Javal Frank, with Committee Members- Ulrick White, Elizabeth Thompson, Odley Spence, Gregory Harry and Weightlifting Coach, Matthew Llewellyn.

The Victory led group cited the non functioning of the Executive and inactivity in the sport as the reasons for trying to “rescue” the organization.

However, this “new” organisation was never recognised by the National Sports Council and the National Olympic Committee.

Several attempts at resolving the matter of getting the sport back on track were made by former Ministers of Sports Mike Browne and Cecil Mc Kie.

The SVGABPFF issues were ventilated at many forums, including several All Sports Meetings, as reconciliation was sought as there was clear indication that there were two factions.

At last Saturday’s meeting, President Williams acknowledged that part of the dormancy of the organization was her own disenchantment with the direction the sport was taking.

Williams revealed to SEARCHLIGHT that the postponement of the elections from February 26 to March 12 was to give the new members time to be updated about the affairs of the Federation.

At last Saturday’s meeting, new as well as existing affiliates to the Federation completed the process of paying up their membership fees.

This was seen as a stumbling block, in any legitimate attempt to unseat the current Executive.

Williams further stated that she was happy that there are persons who are interested in seeing Bodybuilding go forward.

“We welcome all persons to the Federation as it involves bodybuilding, body fitness, fitness and power lifting,” Williams said.

When quizzed as to whether she will be seeking re-election, Williams said she was uncertain, but left that up to if the members if they indicate their desire to have her on the Executive.

Williams, who was last elected to her third two-year tenure seven years ago, also had as part of the outgoing Executive Rechanne Browne- Matthias as Vice President, Osbourne Williams, General Secretary, Lana James, the Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Andre Browne- Public Relations Officer.