APNU wants probe into mismanagement of CARIFTA athletes

The Aubrey Hutson-led Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has come under more fire for the travel fiasco of the country CARIFTA Track and Field Team that attended the 50th edition of the Championships in Nassau, Bahamas at the Easter Weekend.

The team won eight medals – three gold, two silver and three bronze – despite some of the athletes arriving after the event started at 09:00 hrs on April 8 at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has also criticised the AAG for the management of the athletes, noting that an apology should be issued.

According to Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who has shadow responsibilities for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, “It goes without question that the President and the executives of the Athletics Association of Guyana owe you and this nation an apology and explanation as to why there was poor management of the country’s sports ambassadors.”

He added, “This is totally unacceptable. An investigation should be launched, and its findings made public and corrective action be undertaken given the frequency of similar occurrences.”

In congratulating the athletes for “noteworthy and most commendable performances,” the Opposition showered praise on the newly elected Executives of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) “for the leadership you have given in these challenging circumstances, convincing all Guyanese that you are ready and prepared to work in the best interest of our athletes and sport in Guyana.”

Funded by the government, the Guyana-based athletes returned Thursday afternoon to a hero’s welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Javon Roberts stormed to gold in the U-17 800m while Trevon Hamer leaped to bronze in the U-20 Triple Jump on the final day.

The other medalists were Anisha Gibbons (Gold – U-20 Javelin), Tianna Springer (Gold -U-17 400m), Roberts (Silver – U-17 1500m), Attoya Harvey (Silver – 3000m), Ezekiel Saul (Bronze -U-17 Triple Jump) and Seon Booker (Bronze – U-20 1500m).

Last year in Jamaica, Guyana won seven medals.