Affiliates of NLSA to issue petition to new executive

Dissatisfied with an eligibility rule which was employed in the election of a new executive of the North Leeward Sports Association (NLSA) last Thursday, some affiliates are drumming up support in the form of a petition, as they are not accepting the outcome.{{more}}

Word of this action came from Elron Lewis, who related the intent to SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday.

The new executive to run the affairs of the association, headed by Rayon Murray, was installed last Thursday at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, at the association’s Annual General Meeting.

The records show that Murray defeated his opponent, Kenville Horne, 15-2.

However, Lewis is contending that many of the affiliates were not pleased with the manner in which the election was carried out.

He revealed that they are disgruntled that past executive members, as well as those from subcommittees were allowed to vote.

Similarly, Horne, who was vying for the presidency called the move to have those members vote as “unethical”.

Horne said the inclusion of some nine additional votes favoured Murray.

One who served as the public relations officer on the outgoing executive, Horne said that on learning of the development, those affiliates who were in his corner left the meeting.

“This is a sort of fraud, it should have never happened and resulted in a protest I did not want… I preferred it to be free and fair,” Horne claimed.

Continuing his complaints, Horne added, “Another thing which happened is that someone who seconded the nomination of Murray was not supposed to do that, as he is not on the executive, neither was he representing a team.

“I am very disappointed … I think the people of North Leeward deserve better … If it had happened free and fair and I had lost, I would have felt much better,” Horne lamented.

Horne is throwing all blame on the past president Julius Anthony for allowing the elections to go on in that manner.

But Anthony told SEARCHLIGHT “Everything was done above board.”

Anthony, who presided over the NLSA since its inception over 16 years ago, related that the voting procedure and eligibility of voters are lodged in the organization’s constitution.

Anthony said it was not unconstitutional for past executive members, as well as those who perform duties on the subcommittees, even for North Leeward Carnival activities, to vote at the elections of the association.

His promise to make a copy of the constitution available to SEARCHLIGHT did not come to fruition prior to press time.

The elections, which were conducted by parliamentary representative for North Leeward Roland Matthews, along with well known sports administrator St Clair Bramble, also saw Nolan Allen elected as vice-president to Murray.

Also elected were Linson Keil as treasurer; Jodie Anthony, secretary and Vannette Laborde assistant secretary.

Dwight Roberts is the games secretary and Rolmina Matthews the public relations officer.

The three committee members are Tamara Samuel, Dale Michael and Codrian Simmons.(RT)