The year 2016 is almost done and dusted and President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson is hopeful that the New Year will usher in some changes since there were some struggles for the administration during the challenging period undr review.
AAG President Aubrey Hutson
When asked about the recap of the year 2016, Hutson opined that “the executives are not functioning at the highest level and I think too much of the administration of the sport rest on my shoulders.”
The AAG President equated the situation to that of the International body, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) where he gave the example of the Sebastian Coe.
“I think Lord Sebastian Coe, the President of the IAAF had similar problems and hence after being in office for less than a year has decided to throw the entire constitution out and bring in a new one because he understands elected officers do not necessarily function. So in his new dispensation he is looking for more appointed officers of the IAAF” Hutson stated.
As it relates to the local context, Hutson believes that in order for us as an association to move forward certain changes need to be brought about to have the organization take a new structural framework.
“I think the AAG needs to move more in that direction where instead of having a general secretary we have a Chief Executive Officer, instead of a Treasurer we have a Finance Manager, those persons are more accountable. When you make those positions elected positions, someone may be elected into the position but does not have the necessary qualifications and prerequisites to function in that role.” Hutson expressed.
However, the AAG president does not believe that this is a problem exclusive to the AAG, but rather a national problem saying “It’s a national sports problem throughout Guyana you will find that, you hear people talk about an elected treasurer who can’t prepare a financial statement that affects the smooth operation of the AAG.”
The struggle of the Association had been further dealt a permanent blow with the passing of Shanomae Blackmore. While it has been a lengthy period, the effects of her passing are still being felt by the association.
“The passing of Shanomae Blackmore, even though it may have been a while back I don’t think we have totally recovered from it because she would have gone with a wealth of knowledge and a knowledge of things we need to do on a timely basis. We have tried with quite a few persons to fill her shoes but we were not a success because she was key in guiding presidents in how to function in terms of responsibility to the IAAF, so a lot of it rest on the shoulder of the president because at the end of the day it stops with me and I have been trying my utmost to keep the association afloat.”
Meanwhile, at the end of it all Hutson rounded up the year with optimism saying that “it has been a struggle but I think come 2017, it’s going to be a lot better.”
