Related items

• Serrette defeats Comissiong to regain NAAATT presidency

  Track and field administrator Ephraim Serrette returned to the helm of the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) on November 30 with a comprehensive win over incumbent George Comissiong at the Annual General Meeting, at Five Rivers Secondary School, Arouca.

  Serrette, who had served as the NAAA president from 2007-2021 before exiting to take up a role as advisor to Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, defeated Comissiong by a 56-21 margin.

  Paul Voisin and Dexter Voisin were elected unopposed as first vice-president and assistant secretary, respectively.

  Michelle Stoute defeated Jozette McLean 57-20 to win the role of second vice-president while former World 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon won the role of general secretary with a 57-20 victory over Eileen Blackman.

  The role of treasurer went to Davina Washington 56-18 over Marlene Roopchansingh Williams.

  The directors include Cuquie Melville, Michelle Pennie, Kelsey Toussaint Reid, Donelle Stafford, Sherwin Joseph, Enrico Camejo, Sheldon Mason, Kelvin Nancoo and Samuel Jason Roach.

  The NAAA executive will serve a four-year term.

• ‘Innocent until proven otherwise’: Gateway Athletics take soft stance in Director's arrest on gun-trafficking charge

  Gateway Athletics International has issued a statement expressing confidence in the innocence of its managing director, Shem Alexander, who was arrested in Jamaica on allegations of gun and ammunition trafficking from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago.

  Alexander, a well-known figure in Trinidad and Tobago football circles with coaching experience in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) for MIC Matura ReUnited, was detained on November 15 at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. His arrest followed an extradition request by United States authorities.

  On November 30, the Jamaica Observer reported that Alexander appeared in a Corporate Area court, where he provided written consent to be extradited to the United States to face trial.

  Gateway Athletics addressed the situation in a November 30 statement, revealing that Alexander had stepped aside from his duties to address the allegations.

  "Mr Alexander has taken a voluntary leave of (absence) as the managing director at Gateway Athletics in order to focus on treating the allegations before him. Mr Alexander has maintained his innocence in all of the allegations levelled against him and is eager to fully ventilate the issue in the right forum when the time is appropriate,” the statement said.

  The organization emphasized the principle of presumed innocence.

  “The same natural justice that applies to all also applies to Mr Alexander, that is, the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. There is no further information we can give at this time, but we will update as necessary as information becomes available,” the statement added.

  Alexander has been a significant contributor to Trinidad and Tobago's football development. He previously managed St Augustine Secondary's football program and has played a key role in shaping youth football through his leadership at Gateway Athletics.

  Under his stewardship, Gateway has overseen the last three editions of the Republic Cup National Youth Football League, one of the nation's most prestigious youth tournaments.

  Additionally, Gateway has facilitated showcase events through the Republic Cup, giving young footballers an opportunity to perform before college coaches and scouts from abroad with the goal of earning scholarships.

   

• "‘Give me time, and I’ll do magic’: Coach John Smith’s bold vision for Briana Williams’ sprinting legacy

  Veteran sprint coach John Smith has expressed confidence that, with time, he can help Briana Williams evolve into one of Jamaica’s greatest female sprinters. Williams joined Smith’s camp in California in March, following two challenging years in Jamaica where she struggled to make significant progress in her sprinting career.

  Smith, who has worked with some of the sport’s biggest names, acknowledged that the journey to unlocking Williams’ full potential would take patience and perseverance. “I’m not a magician, but give me some time, and I do do magic,” Smith said, emphasizing the long-term nature of their partnership.

  Williams’ decision to join Smith’s group, which includes elite athletes such as Marie-Josée Ta Lou, was not taken lightly. Initially hesitant about the move from her Florida base to the West Coast, Williams ultimately decided to make the leap, citing Smith’s proven track record and the opportunity to learn from a new coaching philosophy. Smith himself believes that their collaboration has the potential to be transformative.

  “She has the basis to become one of the most formidable Jamaican sprinters of all time,” Smith said, highlighting her natural speed, work ethic, and openness to new techniques. However, he stressed the importance of a holistic approach to her development. “It’s about sharpening the tools—mind, body, and soul. The tools need to be kept sharp and in harmony, and from there, it’s in God’s hands.”

  

  The adjustment period has been challenging but productive, as the Olympic gold medalist works to embrace Smith’s philosophy of rhythm, patience, and fitness. Smith noted that adapting to a new system requires not just physical adjustments but also mental recalibration. “It’s not about unlearning what she’s done before but adding to it. You don’t throw the stew out; you add to the stew.”

  One of the key areas Smith is addressing is Williams’ mindset in the latter stages of races. Williams has previously expressed concerns about feeling pressure from competitors in the final 30 metres, a hurdle Smith is confident they can overcome. “Fear stops you from buying into the final analysis,” Smith explained. “We’re working on manifesting a perfect finish, so she can run free to win, rather than running for a time.”

  Smith has been encouraged by Williams’ progress and her eagerness to learn. He remains focused on the process rather than setting specific time goals, emphasizing that success will come as she continues to refine her technique and build confidence.

  

  Looking ahead, Smith envisions Williams becoming a dominant force on the global stage, provided she stays committed to the journey. “Times will come, but first, she has to learn how to shift gears and feel her race. If we can piece everything together, she’ll be one of Jamaica’s best.”

  As Williams adjusts to her new environment and coaching philosophy, she remains a promising talent poised to add to Jamaica’s storied sprinting legacy. With Smith’s guidance, she could become a cornerstone of the nation’s track and field success in the years to come.