Sheryl Hermonstine has been elected to the helm of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) following the staging of its belated Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Electoral Congress yesterday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
Hermonstine, who served as the 1st Vice-President under the leadership of the previous officeholder, Aubrey Hutson, ascended to the top post after securing five votes, while her challenger, Dr Ariane Mangar, received one.
The meeting, which began at 9:59 am, also addressed key agenda items, including financial and subcommittee reports and constitutional matters, with the highly anticipated election of new office bearers the highlight of the forum.
The election process was overseen by returning officer, attorney-at-law Emily Dodson, with key observers present, including the President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, and a member of the National Sports Commission, Christy Campbell.
Following the election, Hermonstine was voted in as the new leader of the AAG, taking on the responsibility of leading the association forward. She will be supported by Mark Scott as 1st Vice President and Mayfield Taylor-Trim as 2nd Vice President.
Other executive positions filled include Dwayne Carter as treasurer and Niall Stanton as assistant treasurer. The committee members elected to serve alongside them are Thelson Williams, Ariana Mangar, Osafa Dos Santos, Tyrone Smith, and Towanna McCalmon. The secretary and assistant secretary were also selected during the meeting.
Previous President Hutson, who had received a nomination, was not present at the time of the electoral process.
The AAG’s constitution speaks to a nominee’s absence, stating, “All nominees not present at the AGM where elections are being held shall indicate their intention of being elected by a letter. This letter must be handed to the RETURNING OFFICER at the time of the elections.”
The newly elected executive team is expected to guide the development of athletics in Guyana over the coming years, with a focus on strengthening governance, enhancing support for athletes, and promoting the sport at both national and international levels.
