Fennell promises smooth transition
OUTGOING JAMAICA Olympic Association (JOA) president Mike Fennell promises a smooth transition of power for the incoming leadership and gives both presidential candidates, Vishu Tolan and Christopher Samuda, the vote of confidence to build on the foundation that has been laid.
Fennell sat at the helm of the association for 40 years and demits office this evening when the dust settles on the JOA elections at its headquarters starting 5.00p.m.
“I expect a smooth transition. They (Tolan and Samuda) are two people who have been operating on our team for the last four years, so they are well aware of issues and things that need attending to,” Fennell told The Gleaner.
SOLID FOUNDATION
“A very solid foundation has been laid. I will be leaving and I will comment on various aspects, and I will leave somebody else to then take it to the next level. I will be meeting with the winner immediately afterwards to further plan the transfer of leadership, so we are going for a seamless transition,” he said. JOA first vice-president (VP), Tolan, if elected, will have JAAA boss, Dr Warren Blake as first VP and Martin Lyn as second VP. Marva Bernard would become general secretary and Campton Rodney treasurer. The directors are Stephen (Bomber) Jones, Dr Praimanand Singh, Aldrick McNabb and Wayne Shaw.
Should Samuda win, he has Chris Stokes and Garth Gayle as first and second VP, respectively. Alan Beckford would serve as general secretary and Nicole Chase as treasurer. His directors would be Raymond Anderson, Laurel Smith, Robert Scott and Yvonne Kong.
Fennell, who most Jamaicans have known as JOA president throughout their lifetime, is proud to have started his Olympic career with a great athlete and end it another.
“When I started the Olympic movement in 76 as Chef de Mission to Montreal (Canada), it was the incredible performance of Don Quarrie in the 100m and 200m, a silver and gold, and I am departing with another super athlete (Usain Bolt). There were many disappointments, but the sense of achievement is quite nice,” he stated.