BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Anthony Johnson-led ‘Putting Players First’ team made a clean sweep of the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) 2013 Ordinary Congress held yesterday (Jun. 30) at the Marriott Hotel.
Johnson got the ball rolling and collected 15 of the 26 votes to defeat former President Peter Jenkins who gained seven votes and Franklyn Maitland four.
Serving as Second Vice President in the previous term, Alistair Edwards was elected First Vice President after collecting 15 votes against Leon Natta’s nine and Dennison Paul’s solitary vote. Paul, in a last minute attempt to withdraw his candidacy, was denied the opportunity. There was one spoilt ballot.
Don Grant, who served as an Executive Member in the preceding term, edged out Techelle McLean in the closest race of the evening for the position of Second Vice President. He gained 14 votes while McLean got 11.
The seven members who managed to be elected to constitute the Management Team for the next four years were Vernitha Maynard with 17 votes, Carlton Pinney 17, Raymond Smith 16, Dominic Stevens 14, Corneil Williams 14, John Bergan 13 and Keithley Pemberton 13 votes
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Speaking with SKNVibes following the Congress, Johnson said is was humbling that his team achieved a very comprehensive victory.
“All of our candidates were elected in an election that for the first time had three presidential candidates and at least two vice presidential candidates in both vice presidents positions, and also 17 candidates vying for the seven positions. And so it is humbling that we were given the mandate tonight.”
Johnson added that he is looking forward to building upon what he has already achieved.
“I am looking forward to continuing the work, because there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to move the football forward up to the next level. So, I want to thank all of the persons who would have contributed to this victory and we look forward to making football in St. Kitts even more successful.”
Johnson also gave a brief rundown on the plans that he has for football over the next four years.
“The plans that we have, first of all, is starting the construction of Goal Project Two which is very critical to the development of the sport, because it will provide the facility to train and develop our young players in a professional setting.
“We want to provide tangible assistance to our players and particularly our teams, such as the provision of a stipend to help with transportation cost and other expenses. Also, the acquisition of a 25-seater coaster bus to help our national teams and member clubs transport the players around the island. And to ensure more of our player get into universities and colleges, because that is critical to the development of their lives and the lives of their families; also at the same time giving more opportunities to our players to get into the professional circuit.”
He added that they also plan on expanding the Competitions Committee to deal with First Division issues.
Johnson further disclosed that Stanley Jacobs would be once again appointed General Secretary.
