The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest has called on the government to break its “shameful silence” and give a public explanation of what led to the cancellation of a major sports event in Grand Bahama.

The Flag Football World Championship (FFWC) was initially proposed to be held at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, September 8-12, and the island was set to host teams from 17 countries as well as several local teams.

However, it has since been announced that the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has decided to hold the tournament in Miami, Florida, instead.

Based on this change in venue, the Bahamas’ national team is now ineligible to participate in the world championship tournament, according to national team administrator for flag football Mel Ferguson.

Mr Ferguson told The Tribune in a previous interview that the Bahamas’ eligibility hinged on the country hosting the championships.

Mr Turnquest claims frustrations working with the government and local football leagues, as well as the local organising committee (LOC), are to blame for the cancellation.

But veteran sports journalist Fred Stirrup criticised Mr Turnquest for not doing his homework before sending out this statement regarding the situation.

In his newspaper column, he said the FNM deputy leader’s comments were unfair given the fact that LOC officials are still working to resolve the issue in the best interest of the Bahamas.

Hosting such a major tournament in Freeport would have been good news for Grand Bahama and the country as a whole, said Mr Turnquest, who is also the MP for East Grand Bahama.

“With a struggling Grand Bahama economy on the brink of a possible boost by way of this event, and so many national team players and organisers who have worked so hard now faced with disappointment, the government should end its shameful silence and offer a detailed public explanation,” he said.

“The chaotic circumstances surrounding this matter are yet another added chapter to the ongoing heralded failures of this inept government. On behalf of the residents of Grand Bahama and the people of the Bahamas, I call on the government to shed honest light on this matter.”

The Tribune contacted Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville for comment concerning the matter, but was told he was off the island and was directed to contact the LOC.

On Friday, The Tribune attempted to reach LOC co-chair Nuvalari Chootosingh, who is also the Sports Manager at the Ministry of Tourism – a supposed sponsor of the event – for comment, but he was not in office at the time.    

It is claimed that a meeting between government entities and several factions representing American football in the country resulted in the cancellation of the event.

“The tournament will now be played in Miami at its regularly scheduled time,” said Mr Ferguson. “In a statement from Richard MacLean, chairman of the IFAF Americas, he describes frustrations in working with Bahamas government, the local football leagues and the LOC. MacLean goes on to say that because of the last-minute cancellation it will cost the 17 confirmed countries tens of thousands of dollars, most of which they won’t get back without going through legal channels.”

Mr Turnquest said the government had over the past few months touted the FFWC as a major and beneficial event for Grand Bahama and the Bahamas.

In May, IFAF executives visited Grand Bahama to inspect the proposed area for the championship event.

According to published reports, the officials were satisfied with the area designated for construction of four fields and bleachers at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, and anticipated no problems with the space being prepared in accordance with IFAF competition rules.  

It is understood that following the visit by IFAF executives, the LOC for the event invited local leagues to a meeting and inspection of the site.

Plans for upgrades to the Grand Bahama Sports Complex were expected to proceed.

Mr Turnquest said the cancellation will hurt the Bahamas’ chance to host future American football tournaments of such magnitude.