Controversy Within the Belize Athletics Association

The Belize Athletics Association is going through an internal dispute. The differences are between the membership of the B.A.A. and Executive Member, Gregory Meyers and President, Cojac Smith. Smith was just elected in April, but already there is a move afoot to trigger a vote of no-confidence against his presidency. He told us today that while the matter is really an internal one, he is not fazed by the plan to oust him. It all stemmed from an incident in which some athletes felt they were disrespected by Meyers and when they tried to have him sanctioned, they didn’t believe they got a favourable outcome. Along with that is the allegation that Smith is attempting to have an athlete who medaled in a recent competition abroad to be stripped of her medals and late this evening, this letter bearing today’s date, was addressed to the B.A.A. executives about the matter. It explains the alleged details and concerns that the author has over the issue, as well as a request for a resolution. It is an allegation that Smith has denied, saying that he is trying to get the exact opposite to happen. The president opined that the person who wrote the letter did so out of emotion for her relative. Whether he is right or not, this is one of the matters that will be dealt with at a Special General Assembly planned for September first. Today Smith told News Five that with respect to the dispute, he was simply following protocol.

 

Cojac Smith, President, Belize Athletics Association

“There were some allegations brought about In reference to one particular person executive and the matter was being dealt with in occurrence of the constitution and the general populace, I guess, are not happy with how the proceeding and how the matters have been dealt with so far. However, we do have a constitution that is binding and we’re following the constitution and in any matter, I mean, we all know legal terms are legal matters that there is due process for any situation that’s brought about to anyone. Thank you very much. And in that regards, the accusers must present themselves as well, and that is something that we do know of, as well as the matter has to be followed through whatever process it needs to be followed through, and whatever wrongs that were committed would be addressed then, based on that procedure that we’re following they have their opinion. Put it that way. And what their opinion is, is necessarily not the truth or not in occurrence with the facts that are actually there. And if it is that it’s a situation where I must present my case, I have all the facts to justify everything that I’ve done so far, Marion. Um, it’s not a situation whereby I am afraid of any situation or afraid of whatever motion they’re bringing forth. But to be, to simply put it, Marianne, it’s just a matter of change.  It’s always difficult implementing change.”