Anxiety in Barbados sport Antigua national
Caribbean Life, October 23-29, 2020 31
By George Alleyne
Several sporting organizations in
Barbados and their member athletes
are fidgeting while waiting on the goahead
to run off their programs as the
authorities, like typical government
bureaucrats, twiddle their thumbs.
Earlier this month the Athletics
Association of Barbados (AAB) had no
choice but to cancel a beach run, its
first event for the 2020 to 2021 season,
because the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit
had not permitted the organization to
host any events.
Barbados TODAY online newspaper
reported that it sought to clarify the
situation with the COVID-19 Unit’s
Director, Ronald Chapman, but that
officer did not answer questions, indicating
that he was on leave.
Not much progress was made with
the person acting in Chapman’s position,
Allison Elcock, who reportedly
said, “I cannot comment on that matter
at this time. But what I can tell you
is that we are reviewing all applications
and requests and we are seeking
to respond in a timely fashion as soon
as possible. So, they all would be dealt
with.”
The bureaucratic indifference of
these officials means that many athletes
of Barbados’ internationally recognized
sporting organizations who
have been left to languish since the
onset of the pandemic more than six
months ago will have to lay idle even
longer.
Some organizations, including Barbados
Cricket Association, Barbados
Volleyball Association, Barbados Tennis
Association and Barbados Hockey
Federation have been cleared to resume
their sport programs under COVID-19
regulations but numerous others have
to lay idle awaiting word from government
officials.
Meanwhile, AAB is hoping and wishing
for approval to host events before its
next scheduled activity, a cross country
relay on Nov. 7.
No doubt other associations have
their worked-out programs in limbo
with similar hopes.
By George Alleyne
The people of Antigua and Barbuda
were on Wednesday plunged into
mourning at the loss of their popular
National Technical Director of football,
Rolston ‘Debu’ Williams, who
passed away after being hospitalized
at the Mount St. John Medical Centre
Monday.
A former national player, Williams
wore many coaching hats, first as
national coach in 2004 then, having
worked with Antigua and Barbuda
women’s football team, the U20 and
U17 squads, and again becoming the
national men’s head coach in 2012.
Known for his game passion, he was
also Technical Director for Parham
FC, which he led to six of the twin
island’s Football Association Premier
League championships.
“The President, Executive Committee
and Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda
Football Association note, with
sorrow, the passing of Technical Director
Rolston ‘Debu’ Williams,” the Antigua
and Barbuda Football Association
stated on its Facebook page.
“Debu’s passion for football was
unrelenting, and his contribution to
the development and continuity of the
sport – whether he was working with a
club or the national program – cannot
be gainsaid,” ABFA stated.
AAB Athletes left idle thanks to Barbadian bureaucrats. AAB Facebook page
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