The Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) has written to the president of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association (ABAA) Everton Cornelius on allegations of breach of trust by a team official and has threatened the body with suspension if they fail to respond within a specified timeframe.
In a press release dated October 2, the NOC gave the association 72 hours from receipt of its letter, to provide them with an official report detailing the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident in which an athlete would have ‘fallen asleep’ in a coach’s room.
“At our meeting on Thursday 28th September, the Executive Committee of ABNOC decided to grant ABAA seventy-two (72) hours from receiving this letter to provide ABNOC with an official report detailing the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. If ABNOC does not receive the required documentation within this stipulated time frame, we will have to consider suspending the ABAA with immediate effect,” wrote the president of the ABNOC, E.P. Chet Greene.
Greene said he would have reached out to Cornelius but received no reply.
“On 6th September, 2023, at 12:11 pm, I reached out to you via WhatsApp regarding a matter of profound concern that has been brought to our attention. The report received alleges a severe breach of trust by one of your team officials while on national duty overseas. Regrettably, although this message displays the status of having been read, we have yet to receive your response on this pressing matter,” he said.
The communique went on to add that the The ABNOC will not remain silent on matters that could cast a shadow on the reputation of the organisation.
“As the pinnacle sports organisation in Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) must ensure that all associated bodies maintain the highest levels of integrity and accountability. We cannot, and will not, remain silent on matters that cast a shadow on our collective reputation.”
“Given the gravity of the situation, the absence of a timely reply is disconcerting. It is paramount that the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA) upholds the highest standards of transparency and accountability, especially when the reputation and trust of our sporting community are at stake. We must emphasise that the public’s increasing concern, and in many cases, outrage, over the alleged incident and the apparent inaction of the ABAA cannot go unnoticed or unaddressed” said Greene.
Reports are that a female athlete ‘fell asleep’ in the room of a male coach from where she was seen leaving the following morning. The duo in question were part of a national team that had travelled for a regional meet.
Although the athletics association has met on the issue, they are yet to indicate whether any sanctions or penalties have been brought against the official.
