WHILE there has been much dialogue in the media over who is and who is not going to the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, set the record straight in a press release.

Her statement is published below in its entirety:

The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture extends congratulations to the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAAs) and the nine athletes who successfully qualified to perform at the IAAF World Championships which is scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar from the 28th September to the 6th October, 2019.

As is practiced, in relation to this event, the Ministry has extended the offer of approved provisions made available to assist the BAAAs and our athletes for the purpose of offsetting specific associated expenses based on the government’s policy of fiscal prudence, and in compliance with current budgetary procedures and protocols. Of important note, in accordance with standing policy, outside of the minister of portfolio, only the permanent secretary is authorised to communicate on behalf of the ministry, and therefore any communication to the contrary are considered void and of no effect.

Our athletes are resilient. However, we have learnt that this is the smallest contingent of athletes from The Bahamas participating in these competitions, and unfortunately, that no relay teams have qualified to represent the country this time around. Nonetheless, it is not expected that this phenomenon will in any way hinder or diminish the representation of the small group that have worked hard during the past year and successfully qualified. They are indeed deserving of the country’s unconditional support and focus on motivating positive discussion surrounding their intended performances.

It is the ministry’s desire for all athletes to soar and to develop in their various disciplines as we remain committed to working with each federation to assist them, in their role of developing their individual sport.

The Government of The Bahamas has approved a delegation of three officers to accompany the Minister of Sports to provide the standard representation of our Government and moral support for our athletes. At no expense to the ministry, noteworthy is the scheduled attendance of Bahamian Olympic gold medallist Eldece Clarke of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, and sports consultant and double Olympic gold medallist Pauline Davis Thompson who will carry out the final duties in her role as IAAF council member. A position she has held honourably for 12 years. Mr Mike Sands, Olympian and newly elected North America Central America and the Caribbean - NACAC President, will now serve as the NACAC area representative on the IAAF Council. Indeed, we are proud of such accomplishments and service.

Notwithstanding the current challenges before our country and indeed our people, the ministry maintains high hopes for our athletes and we are confident that each of them has the ability to attain top medals during this upcoming meet.

The Ministry of Sports will continue to perform its function of creating policies to ensure a level of parity among sporting organisations and Bahamian athletes, and facilitate the development of sports within the country, and in collaboration with federations, to provide assistance and resources that will ensure our athletes are given the opportunities necessary to secure their continued growth and development for and on behalf of the people of the Bahamas.