Peters confirms bid for GAA presidency ahead of Saturday’s election

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, August 20, 2026 - Kerlon Peters, founder and coach of Max Potential Sports Club, has confirmed that he will contest the presidency of the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) at its elective Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

The election is expected to produce a new president following reports that incumbent Conrad Francis will not seek another term.

Peters confirmed his candidacy while returning from Lima, Peru, where he represented Grenada at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Regional Symposium. The meeting was held to prepare stakeholders for the changes and requirements under the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards.

Before leaving for Peru, Peters had already begun reaching out to GAA affiliates and discussing his plans for the association.

“My initial information was that the meeting was scheduled for September, but I only learnt recently that it will be held on Saturday,” he said. “That has not changed my focus on representing the interests of the athletes.”

Peters said one of his main objectives is to increase participation in track and field, not only among athletes but also in coaching, officiating, and administration. He also wants the association to place greater emphasis on developing a strong grassroots programme.

However, he stressed that greater attention must also be given to Grenada’s elite athletes, particularly those returning home without the support needed to continue their careers.

“We have athletes returning home, and there is no structure for them,” Peters said. “Along with the grassroots programme, we also have to take care of our elite athletes.”

He said a coaching programme should be established to give returning athletes continuity and help them remain competitive. His plans would also address athletes’ welfare, benefits, and insurance coverage.

Peters believes the GAA needs a strategic plan with a business component to attract support and create more opportunities. He also wants greater attention paid to athletes’ intellectual property rights and how their names and images are used.

Up to the time of publication, the GAA had not released an official list of candidates for Saturday’s election. However, reports indicate that three members of the outgoing executive - First Vice President Johnell Mitchell, General Secretary Desiree Stephen, and Public Relations Officer Kwame Hypolite - have expressed an interest in contesting positions.

It is not yet clear which posts they will seek.

The election was constitutionally due in January, at the end of the executive’s four-year term. Affiliates agreed to postpone it to preserve administrative continuity while Grenada prepared to host the 53rd CARIFTA Games from April 4–6.

Francis was elected president in January 2022. The outgoing executive also includes Second Vice President Abrel Patrick, Assistant General Secretary Geraldine Thompson, and Treasurer Claudia Francis.

Denise Williams serves as the coaches’ representative, Jelani Franklyn as the athletes’ representative, and Devon Layne as the officials’ representative.

Saturday’s meeting will determine the leadership entrusted with guiding Grenadian athletics through its next administrative cycle.