Tennis Association elects new executive – Boyea at the helm

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) has finally elected a new executive, and Miles Boyea is the new man at the helm.{{more}}

The installation of Boyea and the rest of the executive took place last Wednesday evening at the National Tennis Centre at Villa, when the association held its long overdue Annual General Meeting.

In his elevation, Boyea staved off a strong fight from James Bascombe, but prevailed 9-8.

Bascombe was then voted in as the vice president, defeating Winfield Tannis-Abbott and Ronald Veira.

Bascombe garnered 11 votes to Tannis-Abbott’s 4 and Veira’s 2.

Donnette Lyttle outscored Veira 10-7, for the post of treasurer, while Niquette Williams-Lewis was elected unopposed as secretary.

The post of assistant secretary was taken by Cecile Michael-Samuel, who outlasted Tannis- Abbott at the ballots, 10-6.

Veira then edged out James Ballantyne 9-8, to earn the position of public relations officer.

Four committee members – Onike Spann, Karen Anderson, Winfield Tannis-Abbott and Julia Evans complete the executive.

The incoming president told SEARCHLIGHT that part of his immediate mandate is youth development.

“ … That is my main goal …. Most people in St Vincent and the Grenadines begin to play tennis at about age 12; that is when they start taking it seriously… Real tennis players start at age 5”, Boyea said.

Not new to the sport, having been a former national junior champion, Boyea said whilst he is at the top position, the rest of his executive, as well as the entire Tennis fraternity, are the ones who have the task of taking the sport from its present stage.

And, immediately, Boyea got some good news as past president Anthony Mc Kenzie informed those present that a new sponsor has been earmarked for the SVGTA Junior Tennis Tournament.

Mc Kenzie served as president from June 2008 to last Wednesday, as he did not seek re-election.

Last Wednesday’s meeting ended a long enduring battle to hold a General Meeting, as several attempts were made in 2011 to elect a new executive, but there was never a quorum.

It was during that period that Mc Kenzie, who had indicated that he was ready to vacate the post, decided to continue. (RT)