GAA has an opportunity to chart a new course

Sports Commentary by Michael Bascombe

The elections are over, and now the real work begins for the newly elected executive of the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA).

Congratulations to President Johnell Mitchell and his team. We wish them well because Grenadian athletics needs them to succeed.

This is an opportunity for a new beginning, not simply a change of names around the executive table, but a different approach to how the sport is administered, how athletes are treated, and how the association communicates with its stakeholders.

Judging from the many comments during Saturday's TalkSports programme, rebuilding trust must be among the new executive's immediate priorities.

Current national athlete Gamali Felix offered perhaps the clearest assessment when he said the GAA needs greater "transparency, accountability, and people who genuinely care about the sport and the athletes."

Felix also pointed to Grenada's talent, facilities, and potential, while calling for clearer communication about funding, development, team selections, and the overall direction of athletics.

Former national athletes Nathaniel Mark and Kim Fullerton expressed similar sentiments. Mark called for "a fresh approach built on openness, accountability, strong leadership," while Fullerton argued that "the same old can't be acceptable."

Those voices should not be ignored or treated as criticism for criticism's sake. They give the new executive an indication of where some of the dissatisfaction exists and, importantly, where the rebuilding process can begin.

Athletes, including those attending high schools and colleges at home and overseas, should feel connected to the GAA throughout the year, not only when national teams are being selected. There have been complaints from athletes about feeling neglected and then suddenly being contacted when their services are required to represent Grenada.

Parents have also used social media to express frustration over communication, the treatment of athletes, and, at times, their interaction with administrators.

That relationship needs attention.

Mitchell now has an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership and establish an administration with its own identity and direction. This is his opportunity to lead, while drawing on the experience and skills of the people elected alongside him.

Governance must also be part of that new direction. The GAA's constitution, by-laws, membership requirements, electoral procedures, and other important documents should be easily accessible. Clubs and affiliates must understand their responsibilities and rights, and communication cannot become something that happens only around elections or major championships.

There are also opportunities beyond administration.

The InterCol Championships provide the GAA with a ready-made platform to strengthen relationships with schools, identify emerging talent, and develop commercial partnerships. Grenadian athletics has a product that corporate Grenada should be encouraged to support, but it must be packaged and managed professionally.

Grenada has produced Olympic champions, world champions, and internationally respected athletes. The administrative structure supporting the sport should aspire to the same standard.

If Mitchell and his executive members can work collectively, put aside egos and past differences, listen to athletes and clubs, and genuinely place development first, the GAA can move along a different trajectory.

And congratulations to everyone who offered themselves for service during the elections. Their expertise should not be lost. There should be opportunities for them to contribute through the GAA's various subcommittees.

The election is finished. Now comes the harder part: rebuilding trust, restoring confidence, and charting a new course for Grenadian athletics.