Published 15 March 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
SKNAAA In Poor Financial State, Says President
St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Newly elected president of the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA), Val Henry, says the organization is not in a healthy financial state.
Henry made the disclosure at a press conference at the Kim Collins Stadium, on March 13.
“The SKNAAA is not in a very healthy financial position, we met US$35 dollars on one account in Scotia Bank and $2,100 dollars on our National Bank account with bills to be paid of over $8,000 dollars, you do the math. But that’s good news. The bad news is that we also inherited a debt of over $500,000 dollars, but that’s the good news. The worse news to that is that debt was once over $800,000 dollars, and were it not for the support of this Minister of Sport and the government of St Kitts and Nevis that helped us to draw down on that debt of $400,000 dollars, we would have been in a very serious position.”
Henry also revealed that the association received some debt forgiveness, which alleviated its financial situation.
“We also had to receive debt forgiveness of over $345,000 dollars three months ago for monies that we owe.”
The recently elected president provided some explanation as to how his association’s debts were accumulated.
“Now where is all this expense coming from this expense is coming from the events that we put on, the athletes that we send overseas for different international competitions and very little of it in terms of our operations on the local front and a lot of it came from the hosting of CARIFTA Games in 2015. So yes, since 2015 we are still struggling to pay the bills.”
He expressed profound gratitude to the local government for its continued support, which allowed local athletes to compete in marquis competitions, including the last Olympics.
Henry also commended RAMS, TDC and other private and public entities for their longstanding support and indicated that partnerships with these businesses are critical to the survival of the SKNAAA.
The SKNAAA top man explained that the challenges that the association faces are numerous, including the possibility of not fielding a team at the upcoming CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas, but every effort will be made to give the best possible opportunities to the local athletes.
“We have to begin taking steps to be more self-sufficient financially. It is a burden that at times we feel discouraged but when we recognize the benefits to the young people we continue and so this is why the SKNAAA has adopted a more prudent approach when it comes to the financial management of the events that it organizes.”
The revelation about the financial woes of the SKNAAA comes days ahead of the Primary School Championships and the Inter-High School championships.
