Bahamas AAA Election Race

With Just three days left before The Bahamas AAA holds its election of officers, on Wednesday former president Mike Sands and his 'Visionary Team' called a press conference to defend against accusations and attacks on their character.
In an earlier press release from the team of presidential candidate Curt Hollingsworth it asked the question who is Mike Sands?
Former BAAA President Alpheus 'Hawk' Finlayson, now public relations candidate on the Visionary Team began Wednesday's conference by explaining

Sands' extensive qualifications for the job beginning as a world class athlete who bridged the gap between the legendary Tommy Robinson in the 1960's, and world class Bahamian athletes in the 1970's.
He further explained that Sands has served in the federation since 1989 and is known and respected in track and field circles around the world. He then begged the question "who is Curt Hollingsworth?"
"I don't remember Hollingsworth playing a role in local athletics as an athlete or an administrator until recently, and now he says he wants to eliminate Mike Sands totally from the business of the BAAA, that can't be right," said Finlayson.
He said federation members asked him to run for president in 2006 but he declined because his time had passed, but thta he is always willing to assist.
He also reminded that because of past successful evenets he has spearheaded corporate Bahamas has faith and trust in him when it comes to investing in local track and field events through the BAAA.
On another issue Finlayson charged Hollingsworth withreferring to the Visionary Team as the "Old Boys Club" while on the radio talk show 'Getting It Right' with host Kendal Wright on Tuesday night.
Finlayson admitted that Sands team has a few members that have served before like himself and another former president Foster Dorsett.  However, he noted that they looked intently for new candidates, and that there are five new members on their slate including 2nd Vice Presidential candidate Felix Seymour from Grand Bahama, Tim Munnings for Secretary General and Linda Thompson candidate for special projects.
Finlayson then pointed out that the Hollingsworth team can also be referred to as the old boys club with veteran members like Frank 'Pancho' Rahming, Livingston Bostwick and Doyl Burrows vying for positions.  
Finlayson then revealed that, "Two days after Mike was ousted Hollingsworth asked me to continue to work in the same capacity that I was under Mike, but I refused because in the weeks prior, I was being criticized for doing the very same things he asked me to continue. I also understand that he may not have asked personally, but invitations were made on his behalf to several people to continue working under the new leadership including long time supporter Harrison Petty."
"The reason they asked certain people now on this team to continue to work with them, is because they know what we bring to the table,” said Finlayson.
 Members of the Visionary Team also accused the Hollingsworth team of hurriedly putting together a platform, while their own platform was simply a revision of plans that had already been formatted, but the executive body did not want to adopt.
Finlayson strongly denied suggestions by the Hollingsworth team that the Sands team is only focused on getting financial kickbacks through the federation, saying they have nothing but the best at heart for the sport of track and field.
On the issue of the missing $10,000 (U.S.) received from NACAC for the 2006 Junior CAC team, that was reportedly not turned in until seven months later, Sands produced a receipt signed by incumbent treasurer Rosemund Carey showing he gave her $7,300 just weeks after receiving it.
He said $2,7000 of the cash was used for the federations business leaving $7,300.
He said $1,000 was given to 2008 Junior CAC team team manager Foster Dorsett, and another $1,700 was used to pay hotel accomodations and coaching fees for former Penn State University Coach Harry Groves during his visit.
 Sands said he used his judgment and decided to keep the cash at his home at the time because there were a number of teams set to travel, and the federation did not have a US Dollar bank account. 
He said the entire executive body knew he had the cash and that it is not unusual for a president to hold funds for the federation in the event it is needed speedily and without having to buy U.S. Dollars from the bank.
He does not know what became of the $7,300 he left with Carey and invited the media to ask the Hollingsworth team.
The Journal could not reach Carey for comment, but another member of the Hollingsworth team who wanted to remain anonymous said the money was used to assist with National teams and federation events.  The source suggested that the receipt Sands showed to the press on Wednesday "had the dates doctored to suit his purpose."
The source said the minutes of the meeting during which the vote of no confidence against Sands took place would reveal that Harrison Petty volunteered to pay the missing funds on behalf of Sands instead of "seeing another black man go down."
The source said at that time the funds were still out standing, many months later.
On another matter Sands stated that he is an employee at Bahamasair and has never used the airline to benefit himself as suggested by his opponents. 
In the meantime, Sands said even in the lead up to the elections in the recent weeks and days, requests for him to return have been many. Something that Sands categorically denies.
"Obviously I could not walk back in and believe I could regain the office with the present executives because some of them have shown their unwillingness to work with me. And so I sought to surround myself with people who I am comfortable with and who are capable of moving the federation forward and to new heights," said Sands on Wednesday.. 
There have been a few elite athletes who have expressed their displeasure with Sands seeking another term as president. Asked if that concerns him, Sands said, "A majority of the elite athletes present and former, who I have spoken with support me, except maybe  one or two of them that I could not seen eye-to-eye with on certain matters."
Asked about working together with members of the Hollingsworth team, Sands like Hollingsworth said he is willing to work with members of the other side once they are willing.
"On Saturday the people will speak, and hopefully at the end of the day all of the bickering that has been going on in the federation will be put to rest," he said.
However, he was concerned about a comment made by Hollingsworth who said it is his intention to eliminate Mike Sands from the business of the BAAA forever.
"I want people to understand the magnitude of that statement. At the end of the day that does not warrant itself to allowing people to make a contribution. I would never suggest that I would want to eliminate anyone because there is room for everyone," said Sands.
"I could have walked away when I was voted out, but the BAAA has done so much for myself and the people on my team, that we could not walk away from a program that has provided so much for and has contributed to who we are in society today. And for someone to come along and tell you they want to eliminate you from the business of that organization for ever, gives us cause for concern," said Sands.
He said the whisper campaigns have been all negative about his team and nothing  about the positive things they have done and will continue to do despite their detrators.
Stuart reminded the voters that the Hollingsworth team is very organized, motivated, inclusive and willing to work with anyone who wants to make a positive contribution to the development of the federation and Bahamian athletics.  He warned that continued  unchecked infighting will divide the federation doing much harm. 
Dr. Larry Davis and Dr. B.J. Nottage are expected to oversee the election process that will begin at 10am on Saturday at the Ministry of Education and Sports building on Thompson Boulevard. With three days left before the highly anticipated election in The Bahamas AAA the team led by incumbent president Curt Hollingsworth released a summary of its strategy plan on Wednesday:
1. All members of the team, are individuals who subscribe to the notion " Integrity is key….look at our record".

2. All members of the team stand by integrity, and supported the motion of no confidence and removal of Mike Sands from the presidency of the BAAA, one year ago.

3. Over the year ….one year of leadership and administration of the federation….under the Hollingsworth leadership…..there has been no allegation of impro

priety, nor conflict of interest, nor exclusion of executive members from decision-making,
4. There is no plan afoot, nor will it be entertained, that members of the executive  benefit from any arrangement, particularly related to air charter, sponsorship (uniforms or tennis shoes) or other concessions.

5. In standing on its record, the Hollingsworth-led team,  unlike others who were in office…and removed from office….but  are now willing to promise all manner of things under the guise of a "New Vision" ….The Hollingsworth-led team does not wish to talk a good game, but show our commitment to transparency and accountability…by our record.

6. The Hollingsworth -led team's record reflect the following:

Removal of Mike Sands from the presidency of the federation, in a vote of no confidence.

The matters cited in the said motion of no confidence were:

1. The total disregard for the collective decision-making process.
2. The appointment of the 2007 Banquet Committee, without consultation and approval.
3. Failure to comply with the decision of the executives for a Planning Conclave in Grand Bahama.
4. Failure to consult and obtain agreement on the selection of the management teams for national teams for 2007.
5. The unauthorized pursuit of the arrangements for Friends of Carifta 2008 after problems with previous trips have been identified but not resolved.
6. Failure to consult and obtain agreement on the BAAA's involvement in legal action in the Bahamas Olympic Association matter.
7. The attempt to appoint a Finance Committee, without authorization nor defining the scope of this committee.
8. Lack of timely and proper accounting for funds entrusted to his care.
 
One month after the vote of no confidence and removal of Mike Sands from office, the Hollingsworth-led team articulated a number of commitments:

a. Respect for the constitution and the duly elected members of the executive.
b. Involvement of more individuals in national team management.
c. Involvement of more coaches on national team.
d. Provide opportunities for more coaches to take advantage of more training opportunities.
e. Provide opportunities (not guarantees) for athletes to pursue their goals, through national team selection.
f. Ensure that funding is provided for national teams to attend regional and international competitions.
g. Continue with the honoring of athletes at year-end…with the Annual Awards Banquet.
Almost all of the short-term goals set, were achieved.

" The constitution….in letter and spirit has been followed.
" Many more individuals were invited and took on team management responsibilities.
" More coaches were invited to be a part of the coaching staff of national teams.
" More coaches were allowed to attend training opportunities…
" The Annual Awards Event was held.
" More relay teams qualified for the IAAF World Championships.(women 4x100 and4x400, as well as men 4x400) and the women 4x100 relay team earned the silver medal.
Competitions attended by national teams:

1. NACAC Cross Country…..Florida USA (January)
2. CARIFTA …St Lucia (April)
3. CAC All Age…Nassau Bahamas (June)
4. JR. CAC …Trinidad (July)
5. Penn Relays (Pennsylvania USA)
6. SR. CAC Championships …Havana Cuba (July)
7. IAAF World Youth Championships Bressanone Italy, July)
8. IAAF World Championships …Berlin Germany, (August)

Conclusion

The Hollingsworth-led team…..is pleased to announce its team…..all are individuals known to the sporting community.

While citing the reasons for Mike Sands removal, the team is not intent on getting bogged down and rehashing the reasons for his removal.

The team has put forward its record for the one year period…..and is proud of what was accomplished.

All that remains, is to share with stakeholders some of the initiatives that we propose, for the next full term.

We remain confident…that based on our record, voters will give The Hollingsworth-led team…an opportunity to continue to build on the work started….so that more and new individuals can be encouraged and attracted  to assist in building the federation….and contributing to national development through sports.

The Committee to elect the Hollingsworth-led team
BAAA  elections
November 17, 2009