Hannibal focused on getting football in Calliaqua on firm footing

RE- ELECTED PRESIDENT of the Calliaqua Football League, Foster Hannibal says he is focused on getting the sport of Football in Calliaqua and surrounding areas on a firm footing.

Hannibal, was again given the nod to serve when the league held its Congress on Saturday, July 2 at the Calliaqua Town Hall.

In a square off with Renson Haynes, Hannibal edged out his opponent three votes to two.

Instructively, Hannibal and Haynes were engaged in a public spat during February, over the use of the lights at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

The Calliaqua Playing Field is under the aegis of the National Sports Council (NSC) and managed by a management committee in the community.

Haynes had sought to host a football match at the venue, under lights, but was allegedly denied the use of the lights.

Permission to host events at the Calliaqua Playing Field, is sought either through the NSC or the Committee, which is chaired by the Calliaqua Town Clerk, which position is held by Hannibal.

Hannibal revealed to SEARCHLIGHT that since that unfortunate incident, “ it was not easy… This development was painful for (me) for the last few months”.

He added that the incident helped propel the need to host the Congress and have elections.

“I was so happy the ( St Vincent and the Grenadines Football ) Federation brought this impasse to a close, thus the elections took place and I am overwhelmed to be re-elected”, Hannibal expressed with relief.

Given the mandate to serve for the next two years, Hannibal outlined his executive’s immediate plan of action.

“Our first and foremost (aim) is …the commencement of the 2022 Calliaqua Football League so that we can get it completed by the end of August”, he disclosed.

On the path of development, Hannibal informed SEARCHLIGHT, “We are hoping to further develop some Grassroots Football in the villages within the Constituency (of East St George), namely, Choppins, Fair Hall and Brighton”.

Also elected to the new executive were vice- president, Osborne Bowens; general secretary, Gosnel Cupid; and treasurer, Kenroy Joseph.

Lawson Byam, Gary Cyrus and Kenrick Gonsalves were elected committee members.

Making the decisions were affiliates, Calli Ballers, Glen United, Enhams United, along with Fair Hall.

The elections were overseen by the Calliaqua Steering Committee headed by second vicepresident of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, Wayne Grant and general secretary, Devron Poyer.

Prior to the Congress, members of the Calliaqua Football League met at the same venue on Saturday, June 25 to adopt the League’s Statutes.