World Athletics backs new AAG Executive

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has received a significant boost with both World Athletics and Atletismo Sudamericano (South American Athletics) officially recognising the legitimacy of its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the subsequent election of its new executive.

A letter seen by News Room Sport confirmed the global and regional governing bodies’ endorsement of the AGM held on March 16, 2025, and its resulting elections.

James Cole, re-appointed as General Secretary following the elections, expressed vindication in an invited comment on Wednesday.

He emphasised that the global bodies’ support confirms the validity of their procedures in conducting the overdue elections.

Cole further stated that the AAG’s focus is now firmly on prioritising athletes and charting a course for the continued development of athletics in Guyana, capitalising on the strong support from the government and other stakeholders.

The AGM saw Sheryl Hermonstine elected as President, securing five votes, while Dr. Ariane Mangar received one. The absence of incumbent Aubrey Hutson, who was also nominated, was a key point of contention.

The AAG’s constitution mandates that any nominated candidate absent from the AGM must submit a letter of intent to the Returning Officer. As Hutson was not present and failed to submit such a letter, the election proceeded without his participation.

The newly elected executive team comprises Mark Scott (First Vice President), Mayfield Taylor-Trim (Second Vice President), Dwayne Carter (Treasurer), Niall Stanton (Assistant Treasurer), and committee members Dr. Ariane Mangar, Thelson Williams, Tyrone Smith, Osafo Dos Santos, and Towanna McAlmon. Kenisha Headley was appointed Assistant Secretary.

The election of Sheryl Hermonstine has been met with resounding approval from a group of esteemed Guyanese Olympians, including Marian Burnett, Chelsea Edghill, Aliann Pompey, James Wren-Gilkes, June Collison neè Griffith, and Adam Harris.

In a joint statement, these Olympians hailed Hermonstine’s ascension to the AAG presidency as “a significant and transformative moment for sports governance in our country,” expressing optimism for a new era of progress and development in Guyanese athletics.

The endorsement from World Athletics and Atletismo Sudamericano provides a strong foundation for the new AAG executive as they look to unite the athletics community and drive the sport forward.