Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association faces leadership scrutiny amid World Athletics controversy

With the World Athletics Under-20 Championships ongoing in Lima, Peru, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA) has occupied the hot seat, with significant internal issues blowing up in the face of the association.

The failure to register local athletes in the prestigious event, has no doubt left many disappointed, but increased scrutiny on the association’s leadership and, notably, for the president of the association, Everton Cornelius.

This administrative error now has Cornelius, under assessment by the association’s executive body. The situation now brings wide concern into the athletic community and to sports enthusiasts in Antigua and Barbuda as a major setback for the nation’s young athletes.

This is a critical moment when the athletes got an opportunity to compete on the world stage, and the failure to ensure this participation has brought in serious questions related to ABAA’s management and effectiveness of operations.

However, Cornelius remains resolute in the face of growing pressure. He makes it known that he will not go without a fight. Instead, Cornelius impresses the need for a reflective and informed approach to whatever change is now to be made in leadership.

“Not as simple as you’re putting it to walk away from this injustice. I resign,” Cornelius said, trying to bring awareness of the long-term stability of the ABAA. He looks toward ensuring that if he were to leave anytime, there would be a smooth transition, and the association would continue to thrive.

It would appear that Cornelius did not immediately allow himself to be stampeded into resignations, as he held the opinion that there should first be a constructive review of the operations of the organization. He insisted on the need to look at the association “constructively” so that it could continue “to go from strength to strength,” even in the face of prevailing challenges.

This incident has deeper implications for Antigua and Barbuda than a leadership crisis. This is a moment of truth for the nation’s athletic community. The failure to ensure such an important event is one that has wider ramifications in terms of what this means about the country’s standing in international sporting events. For an island country like Antigua and Barbuda, which is fast emerging as a competitor in track and field events, considerations for good governance regarding the organizational framework of sports within the country cannot be set aside.

Whatever decision would come out of this, will have relatively lasting implications not only for Cornelius but also for the whole ABAA and its future. While his leadership is still being thrown into the limelight for debate and argument, all should still work toward the association emerging stronger and in a better way to continue serving the country.